Sundstrom, et al.:
To test this hypothesis, we studied 21 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis cases and 20 healthy controls with phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, in multiple sclerosis cases we performed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography. We found no differences regarding internal jugular venous outflow, aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid flow, or the presence of internal jugular blood reflux. Three of 21 cases had internal jugular vein stenoses.
Doepp, et al.:
Fifty-six MS patients and 20 controls were studied. [...] Except for 1 patient, blood flow direction in the IJVs and VVs was normal in all subjects. In none of the subjects was IJV stenosis detected. IJV and VV BVF in both groups was equal in the supine body position. The decrease of total jugular BVF on turning into the upright position was less pronounced in patients (173 +/- 235 vs 362 +/- 150ml/min, p < 0.001), leading to higher BVF in the latter position (318ml/min +/- 242 vs 123 +/- 109ml/min; p < 0.001). No differences between groups were seen in intracranial veins and during VM. None of the subjects investigated in this study fulfilled >1 criterion for CCSVI.
So it seems unlikely that MS is caused by CCVSI. Could it nevertheless be true that the "liberation" procedure cures, or at least alleviates, MS? Will anyone bother to find out?
UPDATE: Here's a link to a short Wall Street Journal piece about the impact of this research.
