Atypical early manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS) are common in children and young adults. 6 patients (aged 5 to 33 years) were examined by MR because of confusing neurological manifestations. In addition to small MS lesions there were also large intracerebral lesions which, however, did not occupy additional space but which looked more like tumours or abscesses. The lesions were sharply demarcated cystic formations with margins that enhanced with contrast. The diagnosis of these lesions presents difficulties, the differential diagnosis including MS and its variants, neoplastic, infectious and vascular processes. MR can provide valuable diagnostic information.

Atypical early manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS) are common in children and young adults. 6 patients (aged 5 to 33 years) were examined by MR because of confusing neurological manifestations. In addition to small MS lesions there were also large intracerebral lesions which, however, did not occupy additional space but which looked more like tumours or abscesses. The lesions were sharply demarcated cystic formations with margins that enhanced with contrast. The diagnosis of these lesions presents difficulties, the differential diagnosis including MS and its variants, neoplastic, infectious and vascular processes. MR can provide valuable diagnostic information.

The cervical spine is the second most common location for manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Symptoms are typically related to involvement of the craniocervical junction. Unfortunately, conventional radiographic examination is often unable to demonstrate that RA is the cause of such symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an unique opportunity to visualize nerves, connective tissue, and bone in all planes without the use of contrast agents. These features suggest that MRI could provide important information related to RA of the cervical spine. The possibilities and limitations of MRI were therefore evaluated in 60 patients with cervical RA. The main objective of this study was to correlate symptoms and clinical findings with MRI results to establish indications for this imaging procedure.

Magnetic resonance imaginmg (MRI) offers the possibility to show bony and nerval structures directly with one examination with a less oneerous, noninvasive procedure.