MR Venographic Patterns in Chronic Intractable Headache

Abstract

MR imaging (MRI) and MR venography (MRV) were performed in 110 consecutive patients referred for chronic intractable headache (ChIHA). This study was prompted by a number of incidental findings in this group showing abnormalities of cerebral venous return (CVR). MRV was therefore included in the workup of patients with ChIHA. The synchronicity of this study with the worldwide renewed interest in CRV as a result of the Zamboni hypotheses about the role of obstruction of CVR in multiple sclerosis(MS) and the suggested improvement by venous dilation or stenting (“liberation” therapy), is coincidental. The concept of a venous cause for MS is not new, but felt always short in explaining many of the features of MS.

Keywords

headache MR venography. MRI MS

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