Table 2.

Consensus statements of the CAN-MRI-MS panel regarding MRI use in MS diagnosis and management

Consensus statement
#1	The CAN-MRI-MS Panel unanimously endorses the use of the McDonald 2010 criteria for the diagnosis of MS.
#2	The subcallosal plane is essential for the prescription of all axial sequences and a standardized core MRI sequence that allows for comparison of studies over time and across centres.
#3	Gadolinium imaging is useful for diagnosis of CIS and management of MS.
#4	The appropriate wait time for a diagnostic brain MRI for patients with new typical CIS is 1 week. In some clinical settings an MRI scan is required immediately.
#5	Patients with established relapsing–remitting MS should have, at minimum, a follow-up brain MRI:∙At 6 to 12 months after treatment switch ∙Annually while on disease-modifying treatment∙When there is unexpected clinical deterioration.
#6	The referring physician should include on the brain MRI requisition the following key clinical information:∙Purpose of the scan (diagnosis or follow-up of MS)∙Clinical scenario (definite CIS [syndrome and probable location] and date of CIS)∙If not classic CIS/MS, then clinical suspicion (likely or unlikely MS) and duration of symptoms∙Need for gadolinium and reason for request
#7	The radiology report should include:∙Descriptive elements (e.g. number and location of lesions, enhancing lesions, new lesions)∙Interpretation that can be used to support the clinical picture
#8	The CAN-MRI-MS Panel unanimously recommends that:∙Copies of brain MRI studies be retained permanently and be available to the patient’s health care team∙Patients be encouraged to keep their own scans on portable digital media

CIS: clinically isolated syndrome; MS: multiple sclerosis.