Next 20 article - CCSVI and MS

CCSVI and MS

MSRA is funding a new study to test for ‘chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency’ (CCSVI) in patients with MS. Recent studies have suggested a role in the narrowing or obstruction of veins in MS.

A/Prof Brian Chambers from the Austin Hospital (Melbourne) is the Principal Investigator in this study. It will add to an increasing pool of knowledge; independently assessing whether there is significantly higher prevalence of CCSVI in MS patients compared to people who do not have the disease.

The study involves 100 patients with MS (cases) and 100 People without MS (controls). Study participants will be selected from the local neurological database of Austin Hospital patients. The study will involve testing for venous obstruction using ultrasound, with results available early next year. The same protocols used by Doctors Zamboni and Zivadinov, who recently described CCSVI, will be used in this study.

Meanwhile other studies published in the Annals of Neurology are challenging the role of CCSVI in MS. One of these studies was undertaken with 56 MS patients and 20 people with no neurological condition. Researchers were unable to detect a significant difference in venous drainage between those with MS and those without.

To resolve the conflicts surrounding CCSVI and its role in MS, MS Societies around the world have expedited funding for high quality research. The US National MS Society and MS Society of Canada announced a commitment of over $2.4 million to support seven new grants to determine the role of CCSVI in the MS disease process.

In the meantime, People with MS who have questions regarding CCSVI and associated treatments are encouraged to seek the advice of their neurologist.
MSRA’s position on CCSVI is summarised at www.msra.org.au/ccsvi

 To view the other articles in Next 20, please click on the link below

• Lessening lesions 
• CCSVI and MS  (article above)
• Clinical Trials - Phase 1
• Hidden costs of MS
• The 'Black Hole' of MS
• F5m Updates
• Walkers and Supporters join M2S

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