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Cerebrospinal fluid flow in the normal and hydrocephalic human brain
Andreas A Linninger1, Michalis Xenos, David C Zhu
1Laboratory for Product and Process Design (LPPD), Department of Chemical and Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA. linninge@uic.edu
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|February 7, 2007
Summary
This study uses advanced MRI and computational fluid dynamics to model cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the brain. The findings reveal insights into CSF dynamics in normal and hydrocephalic conditions, aiding in understanding brain fluid mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics
Background:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging advances allow precise cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow measurement.
- Patient-specific brain geometry reconstruction aids in analyzing CSF spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze pulsatile CSF flow and pressure dynamics in normal and hydrocephalic patients.
- To present a computational model for predicting CSF flow in the cranial cavity.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing MR imaging for patient-specific brain geometry.
- Applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on CSF mass and momentum balances.
- Comparing computational results with experimental CSF flow measurements (Cine MRI).
Main Results:
- Predicted small transmantle pressure differences (10-30 Pa) between ventricles and SAS.
- Observed a four-fold increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) pulsatility in hydrocephalic patients.
- CFD results for CSF flow velocities showed good agreement with Cine MRI measurements.
Conclusions:
- The computational model accurately predicts pulsatile CSF flow and pressure dynamics.
- Discrepancies in flow velocities suggest complex brain-CSF interactions.
- This approach offers a tool for verifying CSF flow patterns in individual patients.
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