New MRI clue could slash MS misdiagnosis rates

NCT ID NCT04495556

Ongoing Diagnosis Sponsor: The Cleveland Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether a specific feature on brain MRI scans—called the central vein sign—can improve the accuracy of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. Currently, up to 1 in 5 people diagnosed with MS are later found not to have the disease, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments. The study will enroll 420 participants with typical or atypical MS symptoms across North America and compare MRI findings at the start and after 24 months to see if the central vein sign helps confirm or rule out MS.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a more accurate and faster way to diagnose multiple sclerosis, reducing misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The central vein sign may not prove reliable enough to replace current diagnostic methods, and results may not apply to all patient groups.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States
Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States
St. Michael's Hospital of Unity Health Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, M5B1W8, Canada
The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas, 78759, United States
University of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California, 90089, United States
University of Vermont

Burlington, Vermont, 05405, United States
Washington University in St. Louis

St Louis, Missouri, 63130, United States
Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States

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