Venoplasty in MS

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorder of the CNS that may cause substantial long-term neurologic disability.1 Although genetic traits and environmental risk factors that contribute to individual disease susceptibility have been identified, and the involvement of the immune system during CNS tissue damage is beyond doubt, the precise underlying disease mechanisms still remain elusive. In addition, patients experience anxiety as to their individual prognosis and course of a disease that is—despite several approved and efficient disease-modifying treatments—still uncurable. Both the limited understanding of MS pathogenesis and the absence of a cure may explain why the hypothesis of MS being caused by “chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency” (CCSVI) generated such a profound resonance among patients and advocacy groups, and evoked a massive media coverage.