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MRI of pulsatile CSF motion within arachnoid cysts
M L Brooks1, F A Jolesz, S Patz
1Graduate Hospital Imaging Center, Philadelphia, PA 19146.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) motion causes signal loss in magnetic resonance imaging. This study found similar signal loss in arachnoid cysts and normal CSF spaces, challenging previous assumptions about flow within isolated fluid collections.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pulsatile motion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) causes signal loss in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Previous research suggested less signal loss in non-communicating fluid collections compared to physiologic CSF spaces.
- Slow flow detection techniques have advanced MRI capabilities for evaluating fluid dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fluid motion within isolated arachnoid cysts using a sensitive MRI technique.
- To compare signal loss in arachnoid cysts with that in physiologic CSF spaces.
- To assess the utility of SSFP MRI in characterizing fluid dynamics of isolated cysts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the steady-state free precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance (MR) technique, sensitive to flow as slow as 1 mm/sec.
- Evaluated three patients diagnosed with isolated arachnoid cysts.
- Observed signal loss patterns within the cysts and surrounding CSF spaces.
Main Results:
- Irregular signal loss, indicative of fluid motion, was observed in all evaluated arachnoid cysts.
- Similar signal loss patterns were noted within the physiologic CSF spaces of the patients.
- The SSFP MR technique demonstrated sensitivity to slow fluid movement within these lesions.
Conclusions:
- Fluid motion is present within isolated arachnoid cysts, similar to physiologic CSF spaces.
- SSFP MRI can detect slow flow within arachnoid cysts, challenging prior hypotheses.
- Ventriculography remains necessary for definitive anatomical evaluation despite MRI findings.