Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
08:11
Measuring Progressive Neurological Disability in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: November 14, 2016
Progressive multiple sclerosis is not associated with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency
C Baracchini1, P Perini, F Causin
1First Neurology Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padova, Italy. claudiobaracchini@tin.it
Neurology
|August 19, 2011
Summary
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is not associated with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) or disability. This study found no evidence of CCSVI in patients with progressive MS, challenging previous theories.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been hypothesized as a factor in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
- Recent studies question CCSVI's role in early MS, suggesting it might be a late phenomenon or linked to disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of CCSVI in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS).
- To determine if CCSVI is associated with the progressive forms of multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 35 SPMS patients, 25 PPMS patients, and 60 healthy controls.
- High-resolution venous echo color Doppler sonography (ECDS-TCDS) was used for extracranial and transcranial assessments.
- Selective venography (VGF) was performed for patients with abnormal ultrasound findings.
Main Results:
- No CCSVI was found in healthy controls.
- Only 4 out of 60 MS patients (6.7%) met CCSVI criteria (3 SPMS, 1 PPMS).
- Venography confirmed CCSVI in only one patient with bilateral internal jugular vein stenosis.
Conclusions:
- CCSVI is not a late secondary phenomenon in multiple sclerosis.
- The study found no association between CCSVI and disability in progressive MS.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...