In November 2009, Italian researcher Dr. Paolo Zamboni made headlines worldwide with his study of CCSVI or chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (in which the venous system is not able to efficiently remove blood from the central nervous system), and his suggestion that CCSVI may be a possible cause of MS.

February, 2010

A blinded University of Buffalo study (which has not been published or peer–reviewed) reported that among 500 participants, venous anomalies meeting the criteria for CCSVI were found in just over half (56.4%) of MS subjects, but also in almost one-quarter (22.4%) of control (non-MS) subjects. These findings contrasted with Dr. Zamboni’s initial suggestion that CCSVI likely affected 100% of people with MS and none of the healthy control subjects. 

June, 2010

The MS Society of Canada announced funding for four CCSVI research projects; 3 similar studies in the US were also funded. The goal of these studies is to clarify the link between blocked veins and MS, by addressing these unknowns:

• Does it occur in all people with MS, in all types, and at all stages of MS?
• Does CCSVI occur in people who do not have MS?
• Is CCSVI caused by MS or vice-versa?

August, 2010

Two studies found no evidence that venous insufficiency plays a role in the cause of MS. In the first study, 56 MS patients and 20 healthy controls, investigators used ultrasound to assess extracranial and internal jugular vein blood flow volume and CCSVI criteria. All participants had normal venous flow except one MS patient. The second study examined 21 RRMS patients and 20 healthy controls using magnetic resonance venous angiogram. There were no signs of venous stenosis in 18 out of 21 MS patients and none in the controls.

September, 2010

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada board of directors unanimously approved a motion to reserve $1 million for a chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS pan-Canadian therapeutic clinical trial. The funding will be set aside so that it will be available immediately when such a trial is developed and approved.