Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Cannula Implantation into the Cisterna Magna of Rodents
Published on: May 23, 2018
Current Concepts in Intracranial Interstitial Fluid Transport and the Glymphatic System: Part II-Imaging Techniques
Jesse M Klostranec1, Diana Vucevic1, Kartik D Bhatia1
1From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Montréal Neurologic Institute and Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, 3801 Rue University, Montréal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4 (J.M.K.); Department of Medical Imaging (J.M.K., D.V., K.D.B., H.G.J.K., T.K., K.P.M., K.G.t.B., D.J.M.), Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering (D.V.), and Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (T.K., K.G.t.B.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neuroradiology, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada (J.M.K., D.V., K.D.B., H.G.J.K., T.K., K.P.M., K.G.t.B., D.J.M.); Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Department of Radiology, Service of Neuroradiology, l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada (J.M.K.); and Department of Medical Imaging, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, Australia (K.D.B.).
The glymphatic system clears brain waste via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) exchange. Imaging techniques are advancing to visualize this crucial neurophysiological function and its role in brain diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Physiology
Background:
- The glymphatic system facilitates dynamic exchange between interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the central nervous system.
- This system utilizes paravascular channels for the clearance of neurotoxic solutes from the brain interstitium to CSF efflux pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and developing imaging techniques for investigating glymphatic system function.
- To highlight the glymphatic system's role in various neuropathologic conditions and its importance in neuroimaging interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Discusses direct visualization of CSF transport using postcontrast imaging (intravenous/intrathecal contrast).
- Reviews indirect glymphatic assessment via enlarged perivascular spaces.
- Explores advanced MRI techniques (IVIM, DTI, CEST) and imaging of dural lymphatic channels.
Main Results:
- Imaging challenges exist but are being addressed with novel techniques.
- Glymphatic dysfunction is implicated in proteinopathies, stroke edema, and hydrocephalus.
- Advanced imaging can assess glymphatic function and its relation to disease.
Conclusions:
- The glymphatic system is vital for brain homeostasis and solute clearance.
- Understanding glymphatic imaging is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological disorders.
- Developing imaging modalities are essential for evaluating glymphatic function in health and disease.
