No association between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was hypothesized to play a causative role in multiple sclerosis (MS). The assessment of pediatric-onset MS (POMS) may provide a unique window of opportunity to study hypothesized risk factors in close temporal association with the onset of the disease. Methods: Internal jugular veins, vertebral veins and intracranial veins were evaluated with extracranial and intracranial ultrasound in 15 POMS and 16 healthy controls. Assessor’s blinding was maintained during the study. We considered subjects positive to CCSVI when at least two criteria were fulfilled. Results: CCSVI frequency was comparable between POMS and controls ( p > 0.05). Clinical features were not significantly different between CCSVI-positive and CCSVI-negative patients. Conclusions: Our findings add to previous data pointing against a causative role of CCSVI in MS.