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Cerebrospinal fluid shunts: flow measurements with MR imaging
A J Martin1, J M Drake, C Lemaire
1Department of Medical Biophysics, Ontario Cancer Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
Radiology
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging can now quantify cerebrospinal fluid shunt flow rates, determining shunt patency. This non-invasive technique is clinically feasible for assessing hydrocephalus shunts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neurosurgery
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts are crucial for managing hydrocephalus.
- Assessing shunt patency and flow rates is vital for effective treatment.
- Current methods for evaluating shunt function can be invasive or lack precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique for quantifying CSF shunt flow rates.
- To determine the clinical feasibility of using MR imaging to assess shunt patency.
Main Methods:
- A modified clinical MR imaging sequence was employed, sensitive to slow flow and capable of oblique imaging.
- Velocity-dependent phase images were utilized to measure flow rates within the shunt lumen.
- The technique was preliminarily tested in seven patients with hydrocephalus and CSF shunts.
Main Results:
- The MR imaging technique successfully quantified flow rates in CSF shunts.
- Two patients demonstrated absent shunt flow (zero flow).
- Five patients exhibited shunt flow rates ranging from 4 to 19 mL/h.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging provides a feasible method for measuring CSF shunt flow rates.
- This technique can accurately determine shunt patency in patients with hydrocephalus.
- Non-invasive MR imaging offers a promising approach for shunt monitoring.