1. What is CCSVI?

CCSVI is an acronym which stands for Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency. In short, the brain and the spinal cord have great difficulties getting rid of and draining the non-oxigenated blood and toxins. This is due to narrowings in the cerebral veins which are located very far from the brain, i.e. near the heart which is their natural destination.

2. Do these narrowings result from MS?

This was one of our earliest hypotheses. At a later stage, however, we observed that these narrowings are more likely due to malformations. Therefore, their existence seems to be independent of and preceding the onset of MS.

3. In how many MS cases is CCSVI also present?

Apart from our investigation – where we found virtually complete overlapping between the two diseases – other epidemiological studies carried out by research groups in the United States and Europe have confirmed that there is an association between the two diseases in at least 90% of the cases. This association is indeed robust and significant.

4. How is CCSVI diagnosed?

CCSVI can be diagnosed by means of a non-invasive technique called echo-Doppler which differs from the conventional one in that it uses a movable chair as well as dedicated probes and software.

5. Can CCSVI be treated?

We have experimented the so-called endovascular treatment. It requires no admission to hospital, no cuts or general anaesthesia. A catheter guided by the radiologist is passed through an intravenous puncture site and introduced into the patient’s veins. When vein obstructions are encountered, the catheter inflates a balloon which dilates the narrowings. Sometimes 2 sessions are required, some months apart.

6. Does CCSVI treatment affect the course of MS?

Yes, it does. The data we have published show that improved venous circulation in the brain reduces the number of relapses and active lesions and improves the quality of life. In patients with progressive MS these processes can be stopped or slowed down. Since these findings have been consistent through a period of 2 years, this treatment should be seriously regarded as effective and added to the existing ones.

7. Where can CCSVI be treated?

The experimentation phase is completed but our facilites are not suitable yet to accept a continuous flow of patients so as to continue research and train other physicians who can treat their patients in their place of origin.

Source: http://www.fondazionehilarescere.org/eng/hil_risponde.html

?

http://www.fondazionehilarescere.org