How MRI and OCT are Changing Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

How MRI and OCT are Changing Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

From The ECTRIMS Podcast by The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis

April 8, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

This episode discusses how MRI and OCT are transforming the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis.

Imaging techniques in multiple sclerosis are evolving rapidly, with MRI and emerging biomarkers playing a central role in diagnosis, prognosis and disease monitoring. In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, neurologist Gabriel Bsteh and host Brett Drummond explore how MRI, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and imaging biomarkers are reshaping the way clinicians diagnose and manage MS. They discuss the 2024 updates to the McDonald diagnostic criteria , including the introduction of the central vein sign (CVS) , paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL) , and the inclusion of the optic nerve . The episode also examines how imaging biomarkers may be used to: Predict disease progression Provide prognostic information at diagnosis Monitor neuro-axonal damage over time Support treatment decisions and personalised medicine This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in multiple sclerosis, MRI, OCT, biomarkers, and advances in MS research and care .

People in this episode

Host: Brett Drummond

Guest: Gabriel Bsteh

Topics covered

  • multiple sclerosis
  • MRI
  • OCT
  • diagnosis
  • prognosis
  • biomarkers
  • treatment

Keywords

  • multiple sclerosis
  • MRI
  • OCT
  • biomarkers
  • diagnostic criteria
  • disease progression
  • personalized medicine

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ECTRIMS, McDonald, OCT, MRI

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