Multiple sclerosis diagnosis and its differential diagnosis in patients presenting with type four 'mirror pattern' CSF oligoclonal bands.

Background: Presence of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) restricted to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characterizes most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Few data are available on the frequency of MS diagnosis and the main alternative diagnoses in patients with an initial central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating event and CSF IV pattern, the so-called 'mirror pattern'.

Methods: Seventy-six patients presenting with OCBs pattern IV after a clinical attack suggestive of CNS demyelinating event were included in the study.