Baló concentric sclerosis: Literature review and report of two cases

Abstract

Background

Baló's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare variant of multiple sclerosis characterized by unique pathological features of alternating demyelination and preserved myelin.

Objectives

To describe two cases of BCS, radiological and pathological findings and its clinical course.

Results

We report two distinct cases of BCS that presented with unique MRI findings suggestive of BCS, but with different clinical courses and responses to treatment. The first case demonstrated substantial recovery following corticosteroid therapy, while the second case, initially suspected to be a malignant tumour, showed improvement after surgical intervention and immunoglobulin therapy.

Conclusion

These cases highlight the variability in presentation and course of BCS, underscoring the challenges in diagnosis and the importance of considering BCS in the differential diagnosis of demyelinating and tumefactive lesions. The cases also emphasize the potential for favourable outcomes with appropriate management, challenging the traditional view of BCS as uniformly severe.