Researchers discover a definite association between MS and CCSVI

In December, we discussed a possible association between individuals exhibiting chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and the development of multiple sclerosis.  At the time, there was one small study on the condition, which appeared to indicate a positive correlation between the two.  Now, in the first blinded study on the occurrence, University of Buffalo neurology researchers have also discovered a definite association.

The study began at the University of Buffalo in April 2009, and consisted of five hundred individuals, both children and adults, who were grouped based on various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, clinically isolated syndrome, and other neurological diseases.  Approximately ninety-seven percent were adults and two hundred eighty individuals suffered from multiple sclerosis.  To date, this is the largest group of multiple sclerosis participants examined for this particular correlation.  There was also a control group, consisting of one hundred sixty healthy people.

Each of the participants underwent a Doppler ultrasound scan of their neck and head, in various positions to determine the direction of the venous blood flow.  Additionally, the multiple sclerosis patients underwent MRI scans to determine the amount of iron deposits present in lesions and other areas surrounding the brain.  This examination is known as susceptibility weighted imaging, and the iron measured in these findings area associated with a person’s disability and neuropsychological symptoms.  Further, the Doppler scan reported on five specific criteria that were associated with venous blood flow.  If an individual met two of the criteria, he was found to have CCSVI.

Using these criteria, the researchers found that fifty-six percent of the individuals with multiple sclerosis also exhibited signs of CCSVI.  This percentage does not include those participants whose results were borderline and therefore submitted in the “normal” or no venous insufficiency group.  If that group were excluded, the number showing signs of CCSVI and multiple sclerosis rose to sixty-two percent, with twenty-five percent as healthy control participants.  These results of such a large group seem to indicate that there is a positive correlation between CCSVI and multiple sclerosis.  The researchers, though excited, are also cautious about the findings.  They realize that more research needs to be conducted and more advanced diagnostic tools should be used.  In fact, they are planning another study of five hundred participants in the near future.

So, what does this study mean for those with multiple sclerosis or those with risk factors that may lead to developing the condition?  The researchers hypothesize that the narrowing of the veins restricts the normal blood flow from the brain, which alters the blood flow in the brain, leading to brain tissue abnormalities and degeneration of the neurons.  People may begin to have scans or ultrasounds done to look for this risk factor.  Also, by knowing a possible cause for the disease, doctors and researchers may be better equipped to develop a cure and treatment options.  Furthermore, by submitting to a scan a person may also be able to be positively diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, rather than undergoing multiple procedures to find the root of a problem.  It will also provide diagnostic, objective proof of the condition, should the need arise to file a claim for social security disability benefits based on the condition.  Although the scans are not prevalent at this time, this is an exciting development that we will continue to watch.