Magnetic Resonance Venography in Detection of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency in Egyptian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

摘要

Background: Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been reported with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, its actual prevalence, possible association with specific MS parameters and potential pathophysiological role are debated. Objective: To study the role of CCSVI in multiple sclerosis, to detect if there is relation between CCSVI and clinical characteristics of disease or with the load of MRI lesions. Methods: This study was conducted on 15 Egyptian MS patients and 15 age and sex matched healthy control subjects. Patients were subjected to clinical evaluation (history& examination); severity was assessed by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Magnetic resonance imaging of brain and Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for detection of venous abnormalities were done to all study members. Results: CCSVI was found in 40% of multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy controls (6.7% of healthy control). No statistically significant difference was found between CCSVI positive and negative patients regarding the age of the patients, the gender, the age at the disease onset, the duration and severity of the disease, the type of multiple sclerosis, the degree of disability or the load of MRI brain lesions. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CCSVI among multiple sclerosis patients. CCSVI is not related to clinical characteristic of the disease or to MRI load. It is not yet established whether CCSVI is in the causal pathway of MS, or there is a possible indirect association between CCSVI and MS. [Egypt J Neurol Psychiat Neurosurg.  2014; 51(1): 13-20]