iothalamate-meglumine and Multiple-Sclerosis

We have reported a case of multiple sclerosis in which CT showed a large enhancing lesion with mass effect that was later found to be an acute demyelinating plaque. Magnetic resonance imaging showed other lesions in the centrum semiovale and periventricular areas bilaterally. The advent of magnetic resonance imaging permits diagnosis of atypical demyelinating processes in a less invasive and more direct manner.

Topics: Adult; Brain; Female; Humans; Iothalamate Meglumine; Multiple Sclerosis; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Topics: Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Humans; Iothalamate Meglumine; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Reaction Time; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Six consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis and lesions contrast enhancing on computed tomographic scan were treated with high-dose intravenous infusions of methylprednisolone. Double-dose delayed computed tomographic scans were repeated at varying intervals during corticosteroid treatment. Contrast enhancement of sclerotic plaques was reduced or eliminated within as little as 8 hours after the first infusion. Rapid associated partial clinical improvement was noted in four patients with recent exacerbations of disease activity. Similar attenuation of contrast-enhancing plaques and clinical improvement were less predictable following oral corticosteroid therapy in conventional dosage. These studies suggest that the dose, route of administration, and duration of corticosteroid therapy in multiple sclerosis may partially determine the effect of treatment.

Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Iothalamate Meglumine; Male; Methylprednisolone; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Prednisone; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed