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Quantification of pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid flow within the prepontine cistern
Robert Hamilton1, Justin Dye, Andrew Frew
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement
|February 14, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a semi-automated method for quantifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the prepontine cistern using phase-contrast MRI. The technique combines anatomical data with flow pulsatility for reliable volumetric measurements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Physics
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) is established for quantifying bodily fluid flow.
- Previous methods lacked precise segmentation for complex CSF spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a semi-automated segmentation method for the prepontine cistern.
- To quantify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in this region using anatomical and pulsatility information.
Main Methods:
- A novel four-stage segmentation algorithm was developed.
- The algorithm incorporates anatomical features, flow quantification (aqueduct and prepontine cistern), and blood vessel detection.
- Scans were performed on 48 patients and 11 controls.
Main Results:
- Prepontine cistern stroke volume was measured in preoperative patients and controls.
- Mean stroke volumes were 464.32 ± 202.30 (preoperative) and 447.38 ± 75.49 (controls).
Conclusions:
- Reliable volumetric quantification of CSF flow in complex cisternal spaces is achievable.
- The proposed methodology effectively combines anatomical features with CSF flow pulsatility.
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