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Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis: clinical correlates from a multicentre study
Stefano Bastianello1, Alfredo Romani, Gisela Viselner
1Department of Public Health and Neurosciences, IRCCS C, Mondino National Institute of Neurology Foundation, University of Pavia, Italy. stefano.bastianello@yahoo.it
BMC Neurology
|October 28, 2011
Summary
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was found in 86% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. CCSVI was associated with later MS onset and increased disease severity, though diagnostic methods require refinement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- The association between Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is under investigation.
- Prevalence, specific MS phenotype associations, and pathophysiological roles of CCSVI remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of CCSVI in a large cohort of MS patients.
- To explore the association between CCSVI and MS clinical phenotypes.
- To assess the potential role of CCSVI in MS development and severity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical data from 710 MS patients across six international centers.
- Diagnosis of CCSVI using Doppler sonography based on Zamboni et al. criteria.
Main Results:
- CCSVI was diagnosed in 86% of MS patients, with significant inter-center variability in diagnosis.
- CCSVI diagnosis was associated with a later age of disease onset (approx. 5 years later) and higher clinical severity (EDSS score ~1 point higher).
- Progressive MS patients showed a higher likelihood of CCSVI compared to relapsing-remitting MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Current diagnostic methods for CCSVI require refinement due to high between-center variability.
- Despite diagnostic discrepancies, strong associations suggest CCSVI may influence later MS development and increase disease severity.
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