Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was proposed as a potential pathogenic mechanism in MS.  While pathological data to support such a theory were elusive, a world-wide craze was sett-off, mostly amongst patients, some vascular physicians and some (minority) of neurologist.  It seamed appealing that a simple vascular problem was responsible for MS, but alas subsequent studies have refuted any meaningful link.  Unfortunately, a great deal of invaluable resources had been committed in disproving/proving  the CCSVI theory and the spin-off therapy.

In this issue of JNNP, van Zuuren and colleagues conducted a thorough and detailed analysis of studies assessing the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in MS, the so called liberation procedure.  Unfortunately no firm answer was provided either way, thereby prolonging the uncertainty and calling for more studies.

Is this liberating/helpful or not?? What do you think?

I suspect not.

Steve Vucic