Performance of McDonald 2017 multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria and evaluation of genetic ancestry in patients with a first demyelinating event in Argentina

Abstract

Background: Information on performance of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostic criteria is scarce for populations from Latin America, Asia, or the Caribbean.

Objective: To assess performance of revised 2017 McDonald criteria as well as evaluate genetic ancestry in a group of MS patients from Argentina experiencing a debut demyelinating event.

Methods: Demographic and clinical characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and new T2 lesions were recorded at baseline and during relapses. Diagnostic accuracy in predicting conversion to clinically defined MS (CDMS) based on initial imaging applying revised 2017 criteria was evaluated and genetic ancestry-informative markers analyzed.

Results: Of 201 patients experiencing their first demyelinating event (median follow-up 60 months), CDMS was confirmed in 67. We found 2017 diagnostic criteria were more sensitive (84% vs 67%) and less specific (14% vs 33%) than 2010 criteria, especially in a group of patients revised separately, presenting positive oligoclonal bands (88% vs 8%). Genetic testing performed in 128 cases showed 72% of patients were of European ancestry and 27% presented genetic admixture.

Conclusion: 2017 McDonald criteria showed higher sensitivity and lower specificity compared with 2010 criteria, shortening both time-to-diagnosis and time-to-treatment implementation.