Diffusion analysis of fluid dynamics with incremental strength of motion proving gradient (DANDYISM) to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

Abstract

Purpose: To visualize and analyze the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) motion in the cranium, we evaluated the distribution of motion-related signal dephasing by CSF on Diffusion ANalysis of fluid DYnamics with Incremental Strength of Motion proving gradient (DANDYISM) method, a composite imaging method using various low b values. Materials and methods: This study examined ten subjects aged 25–58. We acquired DWIs on a 3T clinical scanner with b values 0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, and 1000 s/mm2 in total imaging time of 4 min. We constructed DANDYISM images and evaluated the CSF area distribution with decreased motion-dephasing signal using a scoring method. Results: The DANDYISM images showed statistically significant higher CSF scores in the ventral posterior fossa, suprasellar cistern, and Sylvian vallecula compared to the lateral ventricle and frontal and parietal CSF spaces, indicating greater CSF movement in the former areas. Conclusion: The results indicated prominent CSF motions in the ventral portion of the posterior fossa, suprasellar cistern, and Sylvian fissure but smaller motions in the lateral ventricles and parietal subarachnoid space. This method may provide information of CSF dynamics in the clinical settings within short imaging time.