CCSVI is not the cause of MS

Zivadinov et al. Prevalence, sensitivity, and specificity of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in MS. Neurology. 2011 Apr 13. [Epub ahead of print]

CCSVI = Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency

This study was performed to determine how common CCSVI is in a large group of patients with MS, clinically isolated syndrome, other neurologic diseases, and healthy controls, using specific diagnostic criteria using an ultrasound technique called echo-color doppler. This was a large study in 499 subjects. Results: CCSVI was diagnosed in 63% for MS, 46% for other neurologic diseases, 42% for clinically isolated syndrome, and 26% of health controls. CCSVI was commoner in patients with progressive compared to non-progressive MS. Conclusions: The findings argue strongly against CCSVI having a primary or causative role in the development of MS.

"I am not surprised by the results of this study. These results are beginning to confirm my position that CCSVI is not a disease entity and that CCSVI is not the cause of MS. We now need to wait and see if the other studies currently being undertaken confirm these results."

Please see some previous posts on this entity:

1. Results of survey
2. Rise of people power
3. Time for Sir Bradford-Hill's criteria for causation
4. No evidence of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency at MS onset
5. Value of MR venography for detection of internal jugular vein anomalies in MS: a pilot longitudinal study
6. Bad Science