This lecture examines optic neuritis as both a clinical syndrome and a valuable model for understanding inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in Multiple Sclerosis. Drawing on extensive clinical experience and research, Jette Lautrup Frederiksen explores how advances in diagnostic techniques have improved the identification, classification and monitoring of optic neuritis.

Key Insights from the Lecture:

• Recognise optic neuritis as a heterogeneous syndrome: Optic neuritis may occur in MS, NMOSD, MOGAD and other conditions, making accurate differential diagnosis essential.
• Integrate complementary diagnostic tools: MRI, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual evoked potentials (VEP) and cerebrospinal fluid analysis provide complementary information to support diagnosis and assess visual pathway damage.
• Understand the updated McDonald criteria: The inclusion of the optic nerve as a fifth anatomical location, alongside additional imaging biomarkers, can support earlier and more accurate MS diagnosis.
• Identify disease-specific imaging patterns: Optic nerve lesion location, extent and retinal changes can help distinguish MS-related optic neuritis from NMOSD and MOGAD.
• Explore artificial intelligence in MRI analysis: Deep-learning tools show potential for detecting and monitoring MS lesions, supporting clinical interpretation while maintaining the need for expert review.

“Optic Neuritis as a window to the brain: MRI and functional VEP”

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Summary

This lecture explores the evolving role of optic neuritis in the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), highlighting advances in MRI, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual evoked potentials and antibody testing. It also examines the updated McDonald diagnostic criteria and the potential of artificial intelligence to support lesion detection and clinical decision-making.

About the Meeting

This presentation was recorded during the Annual MS Meeting 2026, held on 13 June 2026 at the Irish College in Leuven, Belgium.

Organized by the Belgian Study Group for Multiple Sclerosis (BSGMS) and Paradigms Foundation, the meeting focused on Optic Neuritis Unveiled: Clinical and Imaging Perspectives, bringing together experts to discuss advances in diagnosis, imaging, and clinical management.

About the speaker:

Prof. Jette Lautrup Frederiksen is Professor of Neurology at the University of Copenhagen and Head of the Optic Neuritis Clinic at the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Her research focuses on Multiple Sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis and neuro-ophthalmology, with particular emphasis on early disease manifestations, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and advanced imaging techniques. She has contributed extensively to research investigating the relationship between optic neuritis and MS, including the use of MRI and other diagnostic tools to improve early disease identification.

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