166: Understanding RNFL Asymmetry as a Biomarker in Pediatric MS

About this episode

Scott Grossman discusses RNFL asymmetry as a biomarker in pediatric MS and its implications for diagnosis.

Welcome to the NeurologyLive ® Mind Moments® podcast. Tune in to hear leaders in neurology sound off on topics that impact your clinical practice. In this Mind Moments episode, Scott Grossman, MD , assistant professor of neurology and ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses emerging research on inter-eye retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) asymmetry as a biomarker of prior optic neuritis in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Drawing from data presented at the 2026 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, Grossman explains how optical coherence tomography (OCT) may help improve diagnostic confidence in pediatric MS by identifying remote optic nerve injury, while also outlining how a 4-micron inter-eye RNFL difference emerged as the optimal threshold in this cohort. The conversation also explores the role of OCT within the updated 2024 McDonald Criteria, the feasibility of integrating OCT into routine neurology practice, challenges surrounding normative pediatric OCT data, and future research directions involving visible light OCT and broader population datasets. Looking for more Multiple Sclerosis discussion? Check out the NeurologyLive ® Multiple…

People in this episode

Guest: Scott Grossman, MD

Topics covered

• pediatric multiple sclerosis
• RNFL asymmetry
• optical coherence tomography
• diagnostic criteria
• neurology practice

Keywords

• RNFL asymmetry
• pediatric MS
• optical coherence tomography
• optic neuritis
• diagnostic criteria

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NYU Grossman School of Medicine

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