Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse
Published on: May 19, 2015
Is all "communicating" hydrocephalus really communicating? Prospective study on the value of 3D-constructive
1Acibadem University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Istanbul, Turkey. adincer@asg.com.tr
Background And Purpose:
3D-constructive interference in steady state (3D-CISS) sequence has been used to assess the CSF pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the additive value of 3D-CISS compared with conventional sequences in the diagnosis of obstructive membranes in hydrocephalus.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 134 patients with hydrocephalus underwent MR imaging examination with a 3T unit consisting of turbo spin-echo, 3D-CISS, and cine phase-contrast (cine PC) sequences. 3D-CISS was used to assess obstructive membranes in CSF pathways compared with other sequences. Cine PC, follow-up imaging, and surgical findings were used to confirm obstructive membranes.
Results:
Comparing the number of noncommunicating cases by using the conventional and 3D-CISS images, we found 26 new cases (19.4%) of 134 cases that were previously misdiagnosed as communicating hydrocephalus by conventional images. 3D-CISS sequence identified obstructive membranes invisible in other sequences, which facilitated selection of neuroendoscopy in the treatment of 31 patients (23.1%) in total who would have been otherwise treated with shunt insertion. These patients included 26 newly diagnosed noncommunicating cases after demonstration of intraventricular and/or fourth ventricular outlet membranes and 5 cases of communicating hydrocephalus with obstructing cisternal membranes. There were obstructions of the foramina of Luschka in 22 of 26 newly found noncommunicating cases.
Conclusions:
Conventional sequences are insensitive to obstructive membranes in CSF pathways, especially in the fourth ventricular exit foramina and the basal cisterns. 3D-CISS sequence, revealing these obstructive membranes, can alter patient treatment and prognosis.
