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Multiple sclerosis

Is multiple sclerosis caused by venous insufficiency?

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A 2009 study found that cerebral venous drainage was impaired in all patients with multiple sclerosis examined, but was not affected in control individuals. The study's investigators suggested that venous obstruction in the neck—a treatable condition—caused perivenous inflammation and demyelination. A comprehensive ultrasound study has now challenged this hypothesis.

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Acknowledgements

The author thanks J. Cohen, E. Fisher, R. Fox and R. Ransohoff for helpful comments on the manuscript, and C. Talerico for editorial assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Mail Stop JJ36, Cleveland, 44195, OH, USA

    Richard A. Rudick

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  1. Richard A. Rudick
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Competing interests

R. A. Rudick has acted as a consultant for Bayhill Therapeutics, Biogen Idec, Genzyme–Bayer, Pfizer, Teva Neuroscience, and Wyeth. He has also received honoraria for speaking from Biogen Idec, and funding from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA).

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Rudick, R. Is multiple sclerosis caused by venous insufficiency?. Nat Rev Neurol 6, 472–474 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2010.117

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