CSF flow dynamics in motor neuron disease.
Kota Sato1, Nobutoshi Morimoto, Tohru Matsuura
1Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan. kota_vot@yahoo.co.jp
Neurological Research
|June 6, 2012
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics are altered in motor neuron diseases (MND), including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These changes may help differentiate MND from cervical spondylosis (CS).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biophysics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics may play a role in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
- Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a common condition affecting the cervical spine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of CSF flow dynamics in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- To compare CSF flow patterns in individuals with motor neuron diseases (MND) including ALS, with those of normal and cervical spondylosis (CS) controls.
Main Methods:
- Non-invasive phase-contrast, electrocardiography-triggered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used.
- CSF pulsatile velocity anterior to the cervical cord at the C5 level was measured.
- Measurements were taken during a single cardiac cycle.
Main Results:
- In MND, caudal CSF velocity showed a significant delay (peaking at 25% of the cardiac cycle after the R wave) compared to normal controls.
- The amplitude of CSF flow (H(c)) was significantly larger in MND patients than in CS controls.
- These findings indicate distinct CSF flow patterns in MND.
Conclusions:
- CSF flow dynamics in motor neuron diseases (MND) differ from those observed in control groups.
- These differences may serve as a biomarker to differentiate MND from cervical spondylosis (CS).
- Further research into CSF flow alterations in neurodegenerative diseases is warranted.
