Authors' recommendations: In light of the analysis performed, a causal relationship between CCSVI and MS has not been proven. However, the possibility that CCSVI may be a consequence of the disease has not been excluded. Concerning the diagnosis of CCSVI, controversy reigns over the legitimacy of the criteria established by Dr Zamboni and on the performance of the diagnostic techniques used. The efficacy of angioplasty treatment has been observed over a short period, or 12 months, and without a control group; given the complexity of MS progression, its long-­-term effects are therefore neither known nor established. Lastly, the analysis performed in this report has limitations due to the methodological weakness of the selected studies. Different initiatives have emerged in Canada over the past year to advance the knowledge in this field and to respond to the concerns voiced by patients and professionals. On the basis of this analysis and until it can be updated following the publication of results of the studies under way, INESSS has proposed the following to the Minister of Health and Social Services: Québec should participate in Canadian research on venoplasty for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and in the national surveillance system set up by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI); Services for CCSVI diagnosis or treatment by venoplasty should be reserved to the context of experimental research in clinical trials; The MSSS should form a committee of experts, patients and community representatives mandated to propose a decision framework to government authorities, based on the results of this report and on any new information that will emerge from the technology watch under way. The evidence presented in this report may change in light of the results of the research studies under way in Canada and elsewhere in the world. In such case, INESSS will continue its technology watch on this topic and will, if necessary, update these proposals and submit them to the Minister of Health and Social Services.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/Traitement/ETMIS2012_Vol8_No7.pdf

URL for additional information: http://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/Traitement/INESSS_Summary_MS_EN.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux

Contact Address: L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369

Contact Name: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Contact Email: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Copyright: L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)