Assessment of CSF flow dynamics using PC-MRI in spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Abstract

Aim.- Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is caused by spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and is known to cause orthostatic headaches. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to quantify variation in CSF flow. The aim of this study was to assess CSF flow dynamics using PC-MRI in SIH. Materials and Methods.- Twenty-five patients with a definitive diagnosis of SIH and 25 healthy subjects were evaluated with PC-MRI. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired using a 1.5-T unit with an 8-channel head coil. Differences between SIH patients and control subjects were assessed statistically using Wilcoxon's rank sum test, Spearman's rho test, or Pearson's chi-square test, as appropriate. Results.- CSF flow volumes toward the third ventricle, CSF flow volumes toward the fourth ventricle, the absolute stroke volume, the peak systolic velocity, and the peak diastolic velocity in SIH patients were significantly smaller than those in control subjects (P