Comparison of neurophysiological and MRI findings of patients with multiple sclerosis using oligoclonal band technique

BACKGROUND The correlation of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and intrathecal IgG synthesis are not yet clear in multiple sclerosis (MS). PURPOSE In this study, we investigated the OCB situation and IgG index, cranial and cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and also compared visual evoked potentials (VEP) and somatosensorial evoked potentials (SEP) in order to better understand the OCB pattern and pathogenesis. METHODS Retrospective study included 40 patients (19 male, 21 female, mean age 29 ± 4,24) with precise MS diagnosis according to McDonald criteria. RESULT Sixteen of the patients were OCB negative, and 24 patients were positive. The different between the OCB situation and number of plaques in cranial and cervical MRI, atrophy, oedema and contrast material retention were insignificant. The different between the OCB situation and VEP and SEP were insignificant. CONCLUSION These laboratory findings are all specific, all developing via independent mechanisms and are not related to each other during the silence periods of patients.