via CCSVI at UBC MS Clinic - Information and Support Abstract from PACTRIMS (Pan-Asian Commitee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis):
The Iron Deposition Pattern of Multiple Sclerosis detected using Susceptibility- Weighted Imaging Xu HB, Wang YH, Zhu CJ

Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical School, Huzhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with unclear etiology until recently. Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and abnormal iron deposition have been proposed as possible mechanisms. The aim of this study was to demonstrate iron deposition by means of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in several gray nuclei and in the lesions.

Methods: Seventeen MS patients ranging from 15 to 48 years old were recruited, with a mean age of 29. A set of images using fully flow-compensated, three-dimensional, high-resolution, gradient-echo SWI sequences were collected. We evaluated iron in the following structures: substantia nigra, red nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, caudate nucleus, thalamus and pulvinar thalamus. The measured values were compared to iron content threshold in these structures derived from our 42 normal volunteers ranging from 11 to 58 years old, with a mean age of 37.

Results: Of the 17 cases, 10 patients (59%) had at least one structure with abnormally high iron content. This abnormality is mostly seen in the SN and PT. The connectivity between the iron-containing lesions and a peripheral vein could be seen in 5 lesions of 4 patients in mIP imaging.

Conclusions: The abnormal iron deposition seen in some gray nuclei and the lesions of most MS patients provides further evidence of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency as a proposed mechanism of MS.
Source: April 2012 issue of the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, http://msj.sagepub.com/





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