Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Dr. Simka's Doppler Results - To Be Published

Here are some interesting findings regarding the incidence of CCSVI, according to the findings of Dr. Simka's team (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20351666):
Extracranial Doppler sonographic criteria of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in the patients with multiple sclerosis.Department of Angiology, Private Healthcare Institution SANA, Pszczyna, Poland - mariansimka@poczta.onet.pl.
AIM: The aim of this open-label study was to assess extracranial Doppler criteria of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis patients. METHODS: Seventy patients were assessed: 49 with relapsing-remitting, 5 with primary progressive and 16 with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The patients were aged 15-58 years and they suffered from multiple sclerosis for 0.5-40 years. Sonographic signs of abnormal venous outflow were detected in 64 patients (91.4%). RESULTS: We found at least two of four extracranial criteria in 63 patients (90.0%), confirming that multiple sclerosis is strongly associated with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. Additional transcranial investigations may increase the rate of patients found positive in our survey. Reflux in internal jugular and/or vertebral veins was present in 31 cases (42.8%), stenosis of internal jugular veins in 61 cases (87.1%), not detectable flow in internal jugular and/or vertebral veins in 37 cases (52.9%) and negative difference in cross-sectional area of the internal jugular vein assessed in the supine vs. sitting position in 28 cases (40.0%). Flow abnormalities in the vertebral veins were found in 8 patients (11.4%). Pathologic structures (membranaceous or netlike septa, or inverted valves) in the junction of internal jugular vein with brachiocephalic vein were found in 41 patients (58.6%), in 15 patients (21.4%) on one side only and in 26 patients (37.1%) bilaterally.
CONCLUSION: Multiple sclerosis is highly correlated with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. These abnormalities in the extracranial veins draining the central nervous system can exist in various combinations. The most common pathology in our patients was the presence of an inverted valve or another pathologic structure (like membranaceous or netlike septum) in the area of junction of the IJV with the brachiocephalic vein.
PMID: 20351666 [PubMed - in process]
Looks like the chances of my having CCSVI are pretty good.

2 comments:

  1. Yes is sounds like there is a good chance they will find CCSVI... I thought i read somewhere that the more advanced the MS the better chance there will be CCSIV?? Is that correct? I actually have time to wait i think...My Dr. will not even say for sure MS she said "possible MS" CIS. My symptoms are almost non existent. I would still like to get tested just so i know if i have CCSIV.
    Ted, how bad are your symptoms?

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  2. Hi Jeff,
    If I walk any distance I have to use a cane... and a wheelchair in airports. My hands are always numb and clumsy. My fatigue comes and goes, but at its worst I have to nap several times a day.

    If your symptoms are almost non-existent, then you should almost definitely wait (but keep tabs on what is going on). Hopefully there will be more knowledge and options close to home later, if your condition worsens.

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