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This is probably a silly question but is it possible that CCVI shows up on an MRI?

Hi.

In some cases, it can be depicted by a special MRI, called MRV (MR Venography). But the operator must very specifically know what he is looking for.

MRV can give false negatives. The best way to find out must be classic venography or DSV (digital subtraction venography) which is the most accurate.

sou

Hey WW...
there are no silly questions here...we're all still learning!
No, MRI will not show the veins-
MRI will show lesion location, and spots of damage in the brain and spine. MRV is magnetic resonant venography, and as sou said, with DSV, or different forms of venography (depending on what you have access to), you can clearly see the architecture of the veins. It's good to have both done, so that neurologists and vascular doctors can see how the areas of venous blockage and lesions correspond.

Jeff had both done at Stanford, and they showed a direct correlation between the location of his cervical lesion and the area of jugular blockage on both sides of the lesion. His 20 brain lesions up stream also correspond to the pattern of reflux his jugular blockage caused in his brain.

In less than 2 months, he'll have both MRI and MRV redone. We'll see how things look then, and if there's been any change. Once we have any results- we'll let you know.
AC

Thanks Sou and AC.

I was curious because my neuro sent me for a cervical spine MRI....

AC that's incredibly exciting about Jeff's pattern and fingers crossed it will clear up on both MRI/MRV. There have been so many false dawns with MS it's hard not to be cautious but I really think you are all on to something with CCVI.