Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency: The
Collège des médecins du Québec and Its Experts Express Their Opinion on Dr.
Zamboni's Hypothesis

MONTREAL, Nov. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - During a press conference held this morning, the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and its experts outlined their thinking with respect to the hypothesis issued by Dr. Paolo Zamboni in 2009 on the possible link between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis. The Collège des médecins is of the opinion that, outside the framework of research work, current knowledge does not allow for physicians in Québec to practice this treatment, which, for the time being, is not recognized by the scientific medical community.

"Since my recent election as President and CEO of the Collège des médecins, I have received numerous messages from patients afflicted with multiple sclerosis," explained Dr. Charles Bernard. "Of course, I lend these patients an attentive ear, and I understand their need to know where science stands with respect to this subject. The Collège is saying to them today that we need to wait for the results of studies that are currently underway before generalizing Professor Zamboni's treatments. In particular, we are recommending to these individuals that they refrain from consulting any medical tourism clinics offering these treatments prematurely with little regard for their effectiveness and side effects."

Over the past few months, a number of studies conducted around the world to validate Dr. Zamboni's hypothesis have been indicating that venous obstructions are not only present in people suffering from multiple sclerosis, and that they are not necessarily present at the outset of the illness. "According to preliminary data generated by current research," underlined Dr. Marc Girard, President of the Québec Association of Neurologists, "it would also seem that the venous obstructions appear late into the progression of the illness. As such, these findings show that the obstructions are not the cause of multiple sclerosis, as Professor Zamboni's hypothesis suggests." Dr. Girard also emphasized the importance of North American studies currently underway and being subsidized by the Canadian and American Multiple Sclerosis Societies. "Now more than ever, these studies are necessary so as to better understand the prevalence of CCSVI and determine how research should proceed with respect to the approach proposed by Professor Zamboni."

Moreover, due to the insufficiency of scientific data on Dr. Zamboni's hypothesis and on treatment by venous angioplasty, the diagnosis and radiological monitoring of CCSVI and its treatment is difficult. "At this point in time, radiologists are not in a position to identify a standardized examination that allows for diagnosing CCSVI in a patient suffering from multiple sclerosis," added Dr. Frédéric Desjardins, President of the Québec Association of Radiologists. "Some physicians propose echography, others magnetic resonance, and still others phlebography. There is also no consensus on the norms for interpreting these exams. These factors, among others, constitute the rationale for the need to pursue research efforts so that we can obtain answers to existing questions and, thus, offer patients the best care possible."

"I have been suffering from multiple sclerosis for more than 20 years, and this is not the first time that someone seems to be professing a miracle treatment," concluded CMQ Director, Dr. Guy Dumas. "I understand the hope being raised by Dr. Zamboni's hypothesis among people like me afflicted with this disease. However, I urge them to exercise prudence. Patients should not be abandoning their current medications in favour of pursuing an unrecognized treatment. We must be sensible and patient. We must wait for the results of the research presently being carried out before taking any other action."

The Collège des médecins du Québec is the province's professional order of physicians. The mission of the Collège is to promote quality medicine in order to protect the public and help improve the health of Québecers.

For further information:

Ms. Leslie Labranche
Public Relations Coordinator
Collège des médecins du Québec
Media Line: [phone] / Cell.: [phone]