2017 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis: Earlier diagnosis with reduced specificity?

Abstract Background McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis were revised in 2017. Objective Aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the sensitivity and specificity of 2017 and 2010 McDonald criteria in patients presenting with an initial demyelinating event (IDE). Methods We retrospectively identified patients with an IDE and collected clinical, MRI and CSF data in order to demonstrate fulfilment of 2010 and 2017 McDonald criteria. Results 2017 McDonald criteria showed 100% (86.8–100%) sensitivity and 13.8% (3.9–31.7%) specificity. Conclusion 2017 McDonald criteria appear to have higher sensitivity but reduced specificity compared to 2010 McDonald criteria.