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Dawson fingers

NeuroMRI

Ovoid periventricular white-matter lesions oriented perpendicular to the ventricles and callososeptal interface, radiating like fingers.

What it means

Demyelinating plaques characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

Mechanism

Perivenular inflammation and demyelination extend along the deep medullary veins that run perpendicular to the lateral ventricles.

Associated conditions

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Clinically isolated syndrome
  • Other demyelination
  • ADEM (less typical)

Pearls

  • The perpendicular orientation to the callososeptal interface helps distinguish MS from small-vessel disease.
  • They are best seen on sagittal FLAIR images.

References

  • Radiopaedia: Dawson fingers

For educational use only. This dictionary is a study aid and reference, not a diagnostic tool, and must not be used to guide clinical decisions or patient care. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate with the full clinical picture and confirm with a qualified radiologist.