OFSEP imaging protocol

After an initial version in 2015, the cerebral and spinal cord MRI protocol recommended by the OFSEP imaging group has been updated to include, in particular, new recommendations on the gadolinium injection for the follow-up of patients under treatment. The MRI protocol has just been modified following the publication of the McDonald 2024 criterias which now includes the optic nerve as a fifth topography and the centrl vein sign and paramagnetic rim lesions as additional criterias. This protocol is a consensus within the medical and scientific community (OFSEP and inflamatory group of the SFNR - French Neuroradiological Society). It is feasible on all equipments and compatible with clinical acquisition times.

OFSEP imaging protocol is available below to download (in French):

 

In order for this protocol to be carried out uniformly on French territory independently of MRI machine used, recommendations have been made regarding acquisition parameters. Application engineers of different manufacturers can help the imaging centers to install or update this protocol. Their contact details are below:

  • Siemens : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Philips : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • GE : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Canon : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • United imaging : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Following these recommendations is the best guarantee of quality longitudinal MRI follow-up for MS patients.

 

This protocol resulted in the following publication:

Lecler A, Mondot L, Homo C, Tourdias T, Vukusic S, Durand-Dubief F, Bapst B, Cotton F; OFSEP imaging group; MS Working Group of the French Society of Neuroradiology (Société Française de Neuroradiologie, SFNR). Updated French OFSEP recommendations for multiple sclerosis MRI: alignment with the 2024 McDonald criteria. J Neuroradiol. 2026 Jun 6;53(5):101576. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2026.101576