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Quantitative analysis of cervical CSF and syrinx fluid pulsations
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University School of Medicine, Japan.
Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsations in the cervical spine differ between healthy individuals and those with syringomyelia. MRI studies reveal altered CSF flow dynamics in syringomyelia, suggesting transmission to syrinx fluid.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsations are crucial for spinal cord health.
- Understanding CSF dynamics is key in diagnosing and managing spinal conditions like syringomyelia.
- Quantitative assessment of CSF flow using advanced imaging is essential.
Observation:
- Superconducting MRI quantified cervical CSF pulsations in 10 normal subjects and 13 syringomyelia cases.
- Normal CSF flow peaked 100-200 msec post-ECG R-wave, with velocities ranging from 26-124 mm/sec.
- Syringomyelia cases exhibited reduced CSF velocities within the syrinx compared to the subarachnoid space.
Findings:
- CSF flow velocities in syringomyelia were significantly lower within the syrinx.
- CSF pulsations were observed in the subarachnoid space in all Chiari malformation cases.
- Syringomyelia CSF movements showed considerable variability across cases and spinal levels.
Implications:
- Findings suggest CSF pulsations transmit from the subarachnoid space into the syrinx.
- Altered syrinx fluid movement in syringomyelia is influenced by multiple factors.
- This research aids in understanding the pathophysiology of syringomyelia and Chiari malformation.