Venous Multiple Sclerosis Hypothesis | CCSVI

replicating the ultrasound methods used by Dr. Zamboni to investigate the association of CCSVI with major clinical types of MS and in non-MS control groups. The team is also testing whether other imaging methods can confirm the ultrasound findings, while identifying the most reliable technique to screen for CCSVI.

Term/Amount: 7/1/10-6/30/12; $574,958

Project Details: Recent preliminary studies have suggested that a phenomenon called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), a reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. This hypothesis has been put forth by Dr. Paolo Zamboni from the University of Ferrara in Italy. This pilot study warrants a subsequent larger and better controlled study to definitively evaluate the possible impact of CCSVI on the disease process in MS.
Dr. Wolinsky has assembled an expert team to increase our understanding of CCSVI. Using a comprehensive approach, this team will first attempt to replicate the ultrasound methods used by Dr. Zamboni in 100 people with all major clinical types of MS, compared with 175 people in various non-MS control groups. Then, they are seeking to determine whether the findings are validated by noninvasive imaging techniques, such as an MRI machine using a powerful magnet. The team includes experts in MS, as well as experts from other fields such as vascular disease and venous imaging.
Validating a reliable diagnostic approach and demonstrating that CCSVI is specific to MS and contributes to disease activity would be necessary first steps before controlled therapeutic trials may be attempted.