Venous extracranial duplex ultrasound and possible correlations between multiple sclerosis and CCSVI : an observational study after 560 exams

The article regards an observational study after having carried out 560 Duplex Ultrasound (DU) exams on multiple sclerosis affected patients. The aim of the study was to find out, after the so-called “Zamboni Theory”, if there may be any correlations between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). All the patients had a certain diagnosis for SM and all exams were carried out, with a group of control in non-MS patients, by the same operator using two similar but different brand Duplex devices following the same procedure. The aim was to find presence of possible malformations in the extracranial venous cerebral outflow, mainly concerning the internal jugular vein and vertebral plexus system. Outflow malformations due to significantly reduced vein diameter and/or valve flaps were seeked both in horizontal and upright position. The results were interesting considering the constant presence of venous outflow problems in a significant number of patients affected by SM disease. The diagnosis percentage happened to be very similar, and significant, using either DU devices.