New MRI clue could slash MS misdiagnosis rates
NCT ID NCT04495556
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.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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