Transcranial brain photoplethysmography to study the venules of cerebral cortex in patients with multiple sclerosis. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Viola, S; Viola, P; Fiorelli, L; Buongarzone, MP; Litterio, P
• Is Part Of: Phlebology. Volume 30:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Transcranial brain photoplethysmography -- multiple sclerosis -- cerebral venular disorder -- CCSVI -- Queckenstedt's manoeuvre; Veins -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.14
• DOI: 10.1177/0268355513515650
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-3555

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the utility of a transcranial brain photoplethysmography parameter as a potential marker for patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: We investigated 38 patients affected by multiple sclerosis, according to the revised McDonald criteria (12 males and 26 females, mean age 41.1 ± 8.5 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale mean value 2.6 ± 2.1) and compared them with 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. By means of transcranial brain photoplethysmography, a safe and non-invasive technology, we measured the increase in cerebral blood volume during compression for 10 s of the internal jugular veins of both sides in sitting position. Results: The cerebral blood volume increase was significantly smaller in the multiple sclerosis patients (left frontal cortex: −58%, p < 0.0001; right frontal cortex: −59%, p < 0.0001) compared with the controls. Conclusions: Our study reveals that a minor increase in cerebral blood volume on the frontal cortex of both sides in sitting position is associated with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and might be a new marker.