MRI lesion distribution criteria for MS, NMOSD and MOGAD differentiation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) can share similar features, posing diagnostic challenges. In this study, we identified sets of conventional MRI lesion distribution criteria proposed for disease differentiation and investigated their clinical utility.

Methods: We searched five electronic databases for English-written and peer-reviewed diagnostic accuracy studies that included brain MRI at least. Hierarchical and univariate random-effects logistic regression models were employed for diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was explored with subgroup analyses. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool.

Results: Three sets of criteria ('Matthews', 'Cacciaguerra', 'MS lesion checklist') were investigated in 11 studies (2008 patients; MS, n=1037; NMOSD, n=842; MOGAD, n=129), with low applicability concerns. Overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of the Matthews brain MRI criteria (MS vs seropositive-NMOSD differentiation) were 0.92 (0.86 to 0.96) and 0.85 (0.79 to 0.90), respectively, with higher diagnostic values in non-Caucasian populations and during follow-up. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of the Cacciaguerra brain-spinal cord criteria (seropositive-NMOSD vs MS differentiation) were 0.96 (0.76 to 0.99) and 0.83 (0.71 to 0.90), respectively. The MS lesion checklist (MS vs NMOSD/MOGAD differentiation) had lower diagnostic accuracy measures (sensitivity, specificity: 0.74, 0.79, respectively). The Matthews criteria provided the strongest moderate certainty evidence and also showed high pooled diagnostic accuracy for MS versus seronegative-NMOSD (sensitivity: 0.93 (0.84 to 0.97)); specificity: 0.90 (0.80 to 0.95)) and for MS versus MOGAD differentiation (sensitivity: 0.86 (0.81 to 0.90); specificity: 0.87 (0.76 to 0.93)).

Conclusions: Lesion distribution criteria can accurately discriminate between MS, NMOSD and MOGAD. Further optimised validation studies, and revisions or extensions may support sustained implementation.

Prospero Registration Number: CRD42023472178.