Cerebrospinal Venous Outflow in Multiple Sclerosis Patients versus Fatigue and/or Depression.

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of impaired cerebrospinal venous outflow has been suggested to improve the overall quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Fatigue and depression are key factors in measuring the quality of life in MS patients.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we investigated the correlation between anomalous venous outflow and the seriousness of fatigue and depression in MS patients and healthy controls.

METHODS

Five cerebrospinal venous outflow parameters were measured in 20 MS patients and age- and sex-matched controls using extra- and transcranial Colour Doppler sonography. All patients and volunteers filled out the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Hospital Anxiety Depression Subscale (HADS).

RESULTS

Nine abnormal parameters were found in 8 MS patients, whereas five abnormal parameters were found in 3 healthy controls (no significant difference). Only 1 MS patient met the criteria for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency compared to 2 healthy controls. No significant differences were found in the FSS and HADS scores between patients with and without abnormal cerebrospinal venous outflow parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no significantly impaired cerebrospinal venous outflow in patients with MS versus sex- and age-matched controls. Furthermore, we did not find any correlation between anxiety or depression and impaired venous outflow in MS patients.