Balo’s concentric sclerosis. A lecture describing six clinical cases
https://doi.org/10.17650/2073-8803-2025-20-2-52-60
Abstract
Balo’s concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare demyelinating disorder. The article analyzes six BCS cases diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging, clinical data, and cerebrospinal fluid studies. The goal is to differentiate BCS from multiple sclerosis (MS), assess prognosis, and evaluate therapy. Patients exhibited concentric demyelination lesions. In two cases, oligoclonal antibodies were absent (type 1, typical for BCS), while others showed type 2 (more common in MS). Treatment included corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and anti-B-cell therapy. Disease course varied: some patients had a monophasic course, while others experienced relapsing symptoms resembling pseudotumoral MS. Magnetic resonance imaging showed lesion reduction, but some patients retained neurological deficits.
BCS may be a distinct nosological entity but requires careful differentiation from MS. Early imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis are crucial for diagnosis. MS-like therapy is effective, but further research is needed.
Keywords
Balo’s concentric sclerosis,
demyelinating disease,
multiple sclerosis,
magnetic resonance imaging,
oligoclonal antibodies,
differential diagnosis
Supporting agencies: The work was performed without external funding.
About the Authors
А. А. Benidze
Medical and Rehabilitation Center “Dubna”, Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Balneology
of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
5 Pravdy St., Dubna 141981
А. S. Kotov
M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
61/2 Shchepkina St., Moscow 129110
E. O. Ovchinnikova
M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
61/2 Shchepkina St., Moscow 129110
S. A. Syanov
M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Stepan Aleksandrovich Syanov
61/2 Shchepkina St., Moscow 129110
A. N. Peshkin
M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
61/2 Shchepkina St., Moscow 129110
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Review
For citations:
Benidze А.А., Kotov А.S., Ovchinnikova E.O., Syanov S.A., Peshkin A.N. Balo’s concentric sclerosis. A lecture describing six clinical cases. Russian Journal of Child Neurology. 2025;20(2):52-60. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17650/2073-8803-2025-20-2-52-60
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