The Use of Doppler Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) may be associated with multiple sclerosis, and its treatment has been shown to potentially benefit patients with this condition. Color-assisted duplex imaging is used to assess the anatomical and physiological parameters of cerebrospinal venous function and to diagnose CCSVI. Standardized examination protocols as well as the diagnostic criteria used are important elements in ensuring reproducibility of results between centers. The objective of this article is to describe the technique our laboratory has used to assess patients for the presence of CCSVI using Doppler ultrasound.