By local organising committee: Academician Stanislav Groppa, Dr Oxana Grosu, Prof. Vitalie Lisnic
The EAN Regional Teaching Course took place 25-27 April 2024 in Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova. The three-day course aimed to provide the latest knowledge and insights into various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune encephalitis, and neuromuscular diseases. The event featured esteemed speakers and interactive workshops designed to enhance the expertise of neurologists and neurology trainees.
The opening session was moderated by Academician Stanislav Groppa and EAN Scientific Committee Chair, Prof. Thomas Berger, and included addresses by Acad. Groppa and a video message from EAN president Prof. Paul Boon. Prof. Berger gave a presentation on the Brain Health Strategy launched by the EAN.
The subsequent sessions focused on multiple sclerosis and related diseases, featuring presentations by renowned experts: Diagnosing MS: current guidelines and clinical practice by Prof. Rodica Balasa from Romania, Update on NMOSD (Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorders) by Prof. Berger from Austria, Imaging and management algorithms in MS by Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen from Germany and Aggressive forms of Multiple Sclerosis by Prof. Vitalie Lisnic from Moldova.
Interactive workshops followed, covering topics such as the differential diagnosis of MS, liquid and digital biomarkers, and starting, switching, and stopping MS therapies. The day concluded with a social programme including a welcome reception.
The second day began with sessions on autoimmune encephalitis moderated by Acad. Groppa, Prof. Romana Höftberger, Prof. Maarten Titulaer, and Dr Bryan Ceronie. Highlights included Basic clinical introduction to autoimmune encephalitis by Dr Ceronie, Autoimmune Encephalitis: diagnosis and treatment by Prof. Titulaer, Neuropathological aspects and work-up in antibody-mediated encephalitis by Prof. Höftberger, and Autoimmune epilepsy syndromes by Acad. Groppa. Interactive workshops covered specific patterns of autoimmune encephalitis, suspicion criteria, and the selection of assays for autoantibody testing. The day ended with a party for participants.
The final day focused on neuromuscular and peripheral nervous system diseases with sessions moderated by Prof. Mihail Gavriliuc, Prof. Walter Struhal, Prof. Cristian Falup- Pecurariu and Prof. Yann Pereon. Key presentations included Update on the care management of CIDP by Prof. Pereon, Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy by Prof. Struhal, Update on autoimmune movement disorders by Prof. Cristian Falup-Pecurariu and Update on Myasthenia Gravis management by Prof. Gavriliuc
The day concluded with a workshop and an exam, followed by the closing ceremony where certificates were distributed to participants.
Overall, the EAN Regional Teaching Course provided a comprehensive platform for learning and collaboration among neurologists from various countries, enriching their understanding and skills in managing neurological disorders.
Thanks to the European Academy of Neurology for their financial support in facilitating the educational course held in the Republic of Moldova. Your generous assistance has made it possible for us to provide valuable neurology education in our country.
