Data management

In order to store the mass of MRI data, a dedicated neuroimaging platform must be set up. When preparing its project, OFSEP chose Shanoir.

Shanoir

Shanoir is a neuroimaging platform that enables centralization of MRI data from patients in the cohort, while protecting confidentiality, in order to make them available to researchers with authorization from OFSEP. It enables (non-exhaustive list):

• improved accessibility and data integrity;
• structuring of data;
• management of data sources;
• easier collaboration between remote sites.

MRIs are prescribed as part of the patient's routine medical follow-up (see “MRI prescriptions”). They are conducted by radiologists and neuroradiologists according to the OFSEP recommended imaging protocol.

Twice a year, the data on the Shanoir platform are exported to the OFSEP National Coordination Center to compile the common imaging database.

MRIs transfer to Shanoir responds to specific instructions and above all to prioritization according to the characteristics of the patients.

To facilitate local monitoring of transfers and to respond to requests from the NCC in case of MRI identification problem, a monitoring file must be systematically completed by participating centers.

Documents (in French)

• Guide d’installation de ShanoirUploader
• ShanoirUploader v7
• Règles de transfert des IRM [v2.0 - Date de mise en application : 04/01/2022]
• Fichier de suivi des IRM transférées sur Shanoir v2.0
• Consignes de transfert en l’absence de study card valide [v1.0 - Date de mise en application : 15/12/2020]

MRI prescriptions

The MRIs for patients in the OFSEP cohort are prescribed as part of normal patient monitoring. They are carried out by radiologists and neuroradiologists according to the OFSEP imaging protocol.

MRI prescription models are available below for download (in French):

• MRI prescription model [Application date : 20/07/2020]
• TYSABRI- annual MRI prescription [Application date : 20/07/2020]
• TYSABRI- quarterly MRI prescription [Application date : 20/07/2020]

OFSEP imaging protocol

After an initial version in 2015, the cerebral and spinal cord MRI protocol recommended by the OFSEP imaging group has been updated to include, in particular, new recommendations on the frequency of gadolinium injection. This protocol is a consensus within the scientific community, feasible on all equipments and compatible with clinical acquisition times.

OFSEP imaging protocol is available below to download (in French):

• Protocole IRM OFSEP [v2.0 - Application date: 20/07/2020]

In order for this protocol to be carried out uniformly on French territory independently of MRI machine used, recommendations have been made regarding acquisition parameters. Application engineers of different manufacturers can help the imaging centers to install or update this protocol. Their contact details are below:

• Siemens : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Philips : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• GE : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Canon : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Following these recommendations is the best guarantee of quality longitudinal MRI follow-up for MS patients.

This protocol resulted in the following publication:

Brisset JC, Kremer S, Hannoun S, Bonneville F, Durand-Dubief F, Tourdias T, Barillot C, Guttmann C, Vukusic S, Dousset V, Cotton F and collaborators. New OFSEP recommendations for MRI assessment of multiple sclerosis patients: Special consideration for gadolinium deposition and frequent acquisitions. J Neuroradiol. 2020;47(4):250-258. doi:10.1016/j.neurad.2020.01.083

• Read the article published in “Journal of Neuroradiology” via EM-consulte
• Read the article published in “Journal of Neuroradiology” via Pubmed