MRI Grading Scores Significantly Improve the Prognostic Performance of Standalone Clinical Model for Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Motivation: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has an unpredictable outcome, and it's vital to find ways to forecast its progression, as some patients may face severe disability or even death. Goal(s): The study aimed to assess the value of MRI grading scores for muscle denervation edema in predicting the course of GBS. Approach: We conducted a retrospective analysis on 354 GBS patients, employing a 5-point MRI grading scale. We compared the predictive capabilities of models using only clinical data against those that combined clinical information with MRI findings. Results: The results clearly demonstrated that including MRI data significantly enhanced the accuracy of predictions for patient outcomes. Impact: MRI grading scores may improve GBS prognosis, enable personalized treatment, and potentially reduce morbidity. This method paves the way for incorporating imaging biomarkers in neurological disorders to improve clinical strategies.