Epub ahead of print:
Radak et al. Morphological and haemodynamic abnormalities in the jugular veins of patients with multiple sclerosis. Phlebology. 2011 Sep 8.
Objectives: Multiple areas of narrowing and different levels of obstruction (blockage) of internal jugular and azygous veins (a condition known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency or CCSVI) recently emerged as an additional theory to the well-known autoimmune concept, explaining the aetiology of MS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the internal jugular vein (IJV) and blood flow characteristics in MS'ers and compare it with well-matched healthy individuals.
Methods: 64 patients with clinically proven MS and 37 healthy individuals were included in this study. In all patients, internal jugular vein anatomy and blood flow characteristics were evaluated using sonar. The patients were classified into four groups according to MS clinical form at presentation. The prevalence of abnormalities and flow problems in the internal jugular vein were assessed.
Results: The presence of narrowing, mostly defects within the veins such as valves, were observed in 28 MS'ers (43%) and in 17 controls (45.9%) (no significant difference). Significant differences were noted in relation to blood flow; 42% of MS'ers showed flow abnormalities compared to 8.1% of controls.
Conclusions: This group of MS'ers had significantly different blood flow in their internal jugular vein when compared with healthy individuals. There was no differences in relation to blockages or stenoses (medical term for narrowing of the vein).
"It is a pity these investigators did not control for dehydration; MS'ers with bladder problems usually dehydrate themselves when visiting hospitals to reduce the chances of them needing to find a toilet urgently. Dehydration reduces central blood volume and as a result may reduce flow in the internal jugular vein."
"Interesting that this study did not show a difference in the number of blockages or stenoses in internal jugular vein between MS'ers and controls; this would argue against the CCSVI hypothesis."
Please see previous post in relation to dehydration:
25 Jun 2011
We subsequently showed that the reason for this was voluntary dehydration; MS'ers with urinary symptoms often restrict their fluid intake to control troublesome urinary frequency, especially when quick access to toilet facilities ...