How do you interpret the results of oligoclonal bands ordered to evaluate for demyelinating disease in patients with brain MRI lesions of unclear etiology?
Does the number of bands matter in making the diagnosis? Does it make a difference whether isolated or also in the serum? How do you interpret other results in this context such as the IgG index, synthesis rate, or others?
Answer from: at Academic Institution
While the presence of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) has been incorporated in the updated diagnostic criteria as a surrogate for dissemination in time, OCBs should not be used in isolation to make the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. There are several systemic and peripheral immune diseases, including inf...