Evaluation of CSF motion in syringomyelia with spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM)

CSF flow dynamics has been known to have a key role the pathogenesis of syringomyelia. Our purpose was to evaluate the CSF flow pattern in syringomyelia with spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM) that can depict directional flow, and to determine the relationship between flow dynamics and clinical outcome after decompress surgery. We performed pre- and post-operative MRI in 9 patients with syringomyelia with SPAMM technique. They showed caudal shift of tagging bands in the syrinx cavity in systolic phase while stagnation of CSF flow was seen in diastolic phase. The degree of band shift in syrinx was well correlated with the degree of shrinkage in size of syrinx after operation. Evaluation of syringomyelia by SPAMM technique can predict postsurgical outcome after decompress surgery.