BREAKING NEWS: Comparative findings of multimodal imaging of the internal jugular veins in MS patients, Dr Helen Kavnoudias.

We were able to quantify limitations of the different imaging modalities to measure abnormalities of the Internal Jugular Vein and confirm that multimodal imaging is required. Agreement between all modalities was only 50%. Agreement between Angiography and Ultrasound was 60%, Angioplasty and MRV was 64% and Ultrasound and MRV was 70%. This confirms that incorporating IVUS would be beneficial....

BREAKING NEWS: Comparative findings of multimodal imaging of the internal jugular veins in MS patients, Dr Helen Kavnoudias.

We were able to quantify limitations of the different imaging modalities to measure abnormalities of the Internal Jugular Vein and confirm that multimodal imaging is required. Agreement between all modalities was only 50%. Agreement between Angiography and Ultrasound was 60%, Angioplasty and MRV was 64% and Ultrasound and MRV was 70%. This confirms that incorporating IVUS would be beneficial.

Ultrasound imaging for the control arm was obtained before, and in approximately half of patients there were significant differences in the result over the twelve months - high variability within individual patients. Patients were reported as normal at one time point and significantly abnormal (stenosis/flow) at a different time point.

Some comparative analysis has been completed between the treatment and sham to 24 months. There was no significant difference in two parameters: cerebral arterial flow and between the groups the EDSS was reported and found not to be significant at 12 months. However there was a significant difference in EDSS at 24 months (p=0.016). This EDSS significance gives us momentum to continue with further enrolments.

Patients were provided a second treatment for restenosis. There were two relapses recorded over the 24 month period. Studies that don't follow patients for at least 24 months may fail to appreciate improvement over a longer period.

Our continued thanks go to Helen and the Vascular Radiology team at The Alfred.

Kerri