MRIHeadIntermediate

Multiple sclerosis (Dawson fingers)

neuroradiologydemyelinationwhite matterMRIdawson fingersbrain

Clinical presentation

Young woman with episodes of optic neuritis and limb paraesthesia separated in time, with symptoms partly resolving between attacks.

Key imaging findings

  • Ovoid periventricular white-matter lesions perpendicular to the ventricles (Dawson fingers)
  • Involvement of the corpus callosum, juxtacortical and infratentorial regions
  • Open-ring / incomplete-ring enhancement in active demyelinating lesions
  • Short-segment cord lesions occupying less than two vertebral bodies

Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.

Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.