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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20250614T090000
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SUMMARY:Belgian Annual MS Meeting 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Belgian Study Group for Multiple Sclerosis and ParadigMS Foundation has proudly held the Annual MS Meeting 2025\, a premier event for the Belgian MS community. \n\n\n\nThis year’s meeting featured two distinguished keynote speakers sharing their expertise on the theme “Clarifying the evolving role of imaging in the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.“ \n\n\n\nProf. Pietro Maggi (UCL\, Belgium) talked about new diagnostic criteria for MS\, focusing on the critical role of MRI markers. His session will explore how advanced imaging techniques can improve diagnostic precision. \n\n\n\nProf. Christine Lebrun-Frenay (University of Nice\, France) presented the 2024 revision of the McDonald Criteria for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS)\, which incorporates new advancements in understanding MS pathobiology and diagnostic tools. Key updates include the addition of the optic nerve as a diagnostic site\, new radiological markers (CVS and PRLs)\, the use of CSF kappa-free light chains\, and expanded guidelines for diverse patient populations\, including paediatric cases and those with comorbidities. \n\n\n\nProf. Bénédicte Dubois (President of the BSGMS) and Prof. Bart Van Wijmeersch (Board Member\, ParadigMS) were chairing each session\, setting the stage for insightful discussions and case presentations. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgrammeSpeakers and ChairsAbstracts\n\n09:00 – 09:30Registration and welcome coffee09:30 – 09:45Welcome and introduction to the topic by Bénédicte Dubois (President BSGMS) and Bart Van Wijmeersch (Board Member ParadigMS)09:45 – 10:15Keynote lecture – Pietro Maggi (UCL\, Belgium) to present the topic: inclusion of novel imaging biomarkers in the 2024 revisions of the McDonald criteria.10:15-10:45Clinical case presentations and discussions:Presenters: Serena Borrelli\, Hôpital ErasmeSarah Cappelle\, UZ LeuvenSarah Laurent\, CHU Saint-Pierre & National MS Center Melsbroek10:45 – 11:05Coffee break and networking11:05 – 11:35Keynote lecture – Christine Lebrun-Frenay (University of Nice Cote d’Azur\, France) – to  discuss the translation of 2024 MS criteria for asymptomatic individuals into clinical practice: From RIS to MS.11:35 – 12:05Clinical case presentations and discussions:Presenters: Guy Laureys\, UZ GentAntonia Lefter\, Universiteit AntwerpenMiguel D’Haeseleer\, UZ Brussel & National MS Center Melsbroek12:05 – 12:15Conclusions12:15 – 12:45 BSGMS’ General Assembly (Members only)12:15 -13:30Networking lunch\n\n\n\n\n\nKey Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProf. Christine Lebrun Frenay\, MD PhD\, FAAN\n\n\n\nDr. Christine Lebrun Frenay\, MD PhD\, FAAN\, is a Professor of Neurology and Oncologist. She is head of the inflammatory neurological disorders clinical research unit and MS center at the University of Nice Cote d’Azur. She is a member of the French Neurological Society and French MS Society (SFSEP)\, in which she was president and of the European and American Academies of Neurology. In 2008\, she described the first cohort of a subclinical form of MS. Subsequently\, she co-founded with American\, European\, and Turkish colleagues the RIS Consortium\, which expanded worldwide to collect a unique\, extensive patient cohort. Her research interest includes therapeutical and MRI studies in MS with a specific implication in the description of Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS). She is the co-editor of recommendations in MS for the French MS Society (vaccines\, infections\, and DMTs). She is participating in numerous clinical trials and research studies with international publications in neuroinflammatory diseases. She is a member of several editorial boards of scientific journals and scientific boards and is involved in medical evaluations for MS patients’ associations.She was nominated in 2018 for the executive committee of the ECTRIMS\, the French Association for MS Research (ARSEP)\, received in 2020\, the Excellence Price of the Cote d’Azur University\, The French Neurological Society\, and 2023 member of the McDonald Committee \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProf. Pietro Maggi\, MD PhD\n\n\n\nDr. Pietro Maggi is specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). He is an Associate professor of clinical neurology at the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) and a Neurologist at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc. \n\n\n\nDr Maggi earned his MD from the University of Florence (Florence\, Italy) and his PhD in neuroscience from the same university\, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda\, US). His training includes a doctoral fellowship at the NIH in the lab of Dr Daniel Reich (director of the Translational Neuroradiology Section\, NINDS)\, and a residency in neurology performed at the Erasme University Hospital in Brussels and at the Lausanne University Hospital in Lausanne (clinical-research ECTRIMS fellowship). \n\n\n\nHis clinical-research activity focuses on characterizing and modeling the pathogenesis of MS using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Thanks to several collaborations with other MS-research groups in EU and US\, Dr Maggi’s lab at UCLouvain aims to combine advanced and more established imaging\, laboratory and clinical data in order to improve MS diagnosis\, prognosis and\, ultimately\, to improve our understanding of MS pathophysiology. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChairs\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProf. Bénédicte Dubois\n\n\n\nSince the beginning of my career I have been fascinated by multiple sclerosis (MS). I have gained both clinical and scientific expertise on this condition and have set up a research group that enjoys international recognition and that plays a leading role in the field.  \n\n\n\nI performed my clinical training as neurologist under supervision of professor H. Carton in Leuven and professor A. Thompson and G. Giovannoni in London\, UK. In 2000 I obtained a PhD\, entitled The disease-promoting role of gelatinase B/MMP-9 in inflammation of the central nervous system\, under the guidance of professor G. Opdenakker (Rega Institute\, KU Leuven). Since then\, I developed a career in which personalized or precision medicine can be considered keywords. \n\n\n\nAt the clinical level\, and inspired by my visit in London\, I launched the concept of interdisciplinary outpatient clinics in Belgium. Central to this initiative is not only the provision of expertise from various medical or paramedical disciplines\, but above all the flexible and dynamic nature of this advice\, based on the individual’s needs at a specific moment. This idea was subsequently adopted by the MS Center in Melsbroek\, and further adapted in the form of a RIZIV convention (TMST – Transmuraal MS Team). \n\n\n\nWith regard to my scientific activities\, and as head of the Laboratory for Neuroimmunology at KU Leuven\, I focus on translational research in MS\, more specifically on the neuroimmunology and genetic architecture of the susceptibility and the heterogeneity of MS. I have set up a database containing clinical and genetic data of more than 1400 MS patients. In 700 of these patients\, longitudinal follow-up over many years is available\, which makes this database rather unique and precious. My lab has been successful in obtaining funding (e.g. Horizon2020\, FWO\, BOF\, Progressive Alliance NMSS)\, and in participating to leading international (IMSGC\, Horizon2020) and national (e.g. FWO-WOG\, Universiteit Hasselt\, Universiteit Antwerpen) collaborations. \n\n\n\nBesides clinical and research activities focused on MS\, I am also head of the department of Neurology at the University Hospitals Leuven\, part-time full professor and head of the medical clerkships centers of the Faculty of Medicine at KU Leuven\, head of the Research Group Experimental Neurology\, and member of several internal and external commissions related to education and scientific research. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProf. Bart Van Wijmeersch\n\n\n\nBart Van Wijmeersch is a neurologist specialized in Multiple Sclerosis. He is medical director of the Rehabilitation and MS Center in Pelt where he leads the multidisciplinary MS-team. Furthermore\, he is an associate professor of Neurology at the University of Hasselt\, affiliated with the Biomedical Institute\, where he’s involved in pre-clinical as well as the clinical research on MS at the biomedical institute (BIOMED). He has a supporting role in all the immunological research on blood- and CSF samples of persons with MS and in EAE-animal models\, as well as in the rehabilitation research at REVAL. Immunological\, Biomarker\, MRI\, Electrophysiological and Rehabilitation research in MS come together in this way. He has an educational role in the faculty of medicine and physiotherapy. \n\n\n\nHe’s a member of the Belgian Study Group of Multiple Sclerosis\, first President of ParadigMS and a member of advisory boards of different pharmaceutical companies with interest in Multiple Sclerosis. \n\n\n\nAs acknowledgment of his scientific work\, he received an honorary award of the Flemish government in the summer of 2019. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nAbstracts of talk \n\n\n\nThe inclusion of novel imaging biomarkers in the 2024 revisions of the McDonald criteria. \n\n\n\nThe proposed revisions of the McDonald criteria include new susceptibility-based imaging biomarkers – the “central vein sign” and “paramagnetic rim lesions” – and recognize the importance of the optic nerve evaluation in the MS diagnostic work-up. Overall\, the addition of these pathologically-specific imaging biomarkers increases MS diagnostic accuracy\, potentially allowing faster diagnosis and earlier treatment. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiagnostic criteria during the presymptomatic phase of multiple sclerosis. \n\n\n\nRadiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) represents the initial visible phase in the spectrum of multiple sclerosis (MS). RIS is often found incidentally in asymptomatic individuals who exhibit typical lesions in the brain and/or spinal cord\, indicating autoimmune inflammatory demyelination. The updated 2023 RIS criteria aim to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis due to various imaging mimics that resemble RIS. In the newly revised 2024 McDonald criteria\, RIS patients with additional characteristics\, such as positive CSF and susceptibility MRI biomarkers\, are classified as having MS. The two sets of criteria can be exclusive and need to be prospectively compared head-to-head. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFAQSponsorsLocation\n\n\nWhen and where is the event taking place?\n\nThe 2025 Belgian Annual MS Meeting organised by the Belgian Study Group for Multiple Sclerosis and the ParadigMS Foundation\, will take place on Saturday\, 14 June 2025\, at 9am\, in the Faculty Club in Leuven.\n\n\n\n\n\nHow can I register for the event?\n\nSimply click on REGISTER button you can see above this section when available.\n\n\n\n\n\nIs there a registration fee?\n\nThis learning experience is offered for free only to BSGMS members\, neurology residents and MS nurses in Belgium\, all other categories should pay a fee of 40 eur. Registration is mandatory and seats are limited.\n\n\n\n\n\nWill there be any networking opportunities?\n\nThe coffee breaks environment will offer plenty of networking opportunities.  \n\n\n\n\n\nAre there any accommodations nearby?\n\nThe Venue is located nearby convenient accommodation options for participants:\n\n Begijnhof Hotel**** (located next to Faculty Club)\n\n\n\n Martins Klooster Hotel****\n\n\n\n Penta Hotel****\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs there parking available at the venue?\n\nThe venue provides free parking for participants.\n\n\n\n\n\nCan I bring a guest?\n\nYou can register a person\, if they are also healthcare professionals with a focus on neurology.\n\n\n\n\n\nHow can I get updates or notifications about the event?\n\nStay connected with all updates and news by subscribing to the ParadigMS Foundation webpage: https://paradigms.foundation/ \n\n\n\n\n\nIs there a dress code for the event?\n\nWe recommend wearing smart casual attire.\n\n\n\n\n\nWill there be food and beverages provided?\n\nYes\, we provide a welcome coffee\, water and lunch provided with a variety of drinks.\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat if I need to cancel my registration?\n\nIf you need to cancel your registration\, please send a message to learning@paradigms.foundation.\n\n\n\n\n\nHow can I become a sponsor of the event?\n\nIf you wish to become a sponsor of this event\, please send a message to learning@paradigms.foundation. \n\n\n\n\n\nWho can I contact for additional information?\n\nIf you have any questions or need further information about the learning experience\, please feel free to reach out to us at learning@paradigms.foundation.\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat if organisers need to cancel the event?\n\nThe Annual MS Meeting is organised by the Belgian Study Group for Multiple Sclerosis and the ParadigMS Foundation. The organiser reserves the right to cancel the event at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. In that case\, registrants will be notified by email and no compensation can be claimed.\n\n\n\n\n\nWill this symposium be live streamed?\n\nNo\, the two live sessions of the Annual MS Meeting are not live streamed and available only for onsite participants.\n\n\n\n\n\nWho can register for one of the sessions?\n\nThe Annual MS Meeting is open for neurologists\, radiologists\, neurology and radiology residents and MS nurses in Belgium. If you do not fall within this category\, please ask for prior approval to the ParadigMS secretariat before registering. If you register without prior approval and are not within the welcomed categories\, the organisers reserve the right to cancel your registration. In case of cancellation\, you will be notified. You can contact us via learning@paradigms.foundation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur Gold sponsors: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOur Bronze sponsors: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFaculty Club \n\n\n\nAddress: \n\n\n\n•Groot Begijnhof 14\, 3000 Leuven \n\n\n\n•http://www.facultyclub.be/ \n\n\n\n•Phone number: 016329500 \n\n\n\nParking : \n\n\n\n•The parking space is available near the venue. \n\n\n\n•The code for the parking will be provided prior to the event. \n\n\n\nAccommodation: \n\n\n\nThe Venue is located nearby convenient accommodation options for participants: \n\n\n\n\nBegijnhof Hotel**** (located next to Faculty Club)\n\n\n\nMartins Klooster Hotel****\n\n\n\nPenta Hotel****\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMedia Partner: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPictures from the Meeting  (by DAVID PLAS PHOTOGRAPHY)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nY\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDAVID PLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
URL:https://paradigms.foundation/event/annual-ms-meeting-2025/
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