Applying the Supporting Features for MOGAD Diagnosis to Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the 2023 diagnostic criteria, supporting clinical/MRI features are required to diagnose myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) in patients at high risk of false MOG-IgG positivity (low/unavailable titer, cerebrospinal fluid-restricted), to help differentiation from multiple sclerosis (MS). However, overlap is possible and determining the frequency of the MOGAD supporting features at MS onset may help prevent misdiagnosis. We assessed the frequency of the MOGAD supporting features and potential risk of misdiagnosis at first attack of MS/clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). METHODS: In this observational study, we retrospectively identified consecutive patients hospitalized between 2021 and 2024 at 2 Italian centers, with: (1) relapsing-remitting MS/CIS, and (2) first attack MRI available. The frequency of the MOGAD supporting features was assessed at MS/CIS presentation, and potential risk of misdiagnosis determined based on the probability of concurrent false MOG-IgG positivity. Other clinical-MRI features typical of MOGAD but not included in the 2023 diagnostic criteria were also evaluated. RESULTS: ), (3) wheelchair need during myelitis, and (4) MRI T2-lesion resolution postattack. DISCUSSION: Although the MOGAD supporting features can be met in one-fourth of patients at MS/CIS presentation, the risk of misdiagnosis in similar unselected cohorts remains low. Future refinements of the MOGAD supporting features should take into account their relative frequency in MS/CIS and possible integration with additional clinical-MRI features that are more specific for MOGAD.