Visual assessment of cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics using 3D T2-weighted SPACE sequence-based classification...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Medical Physics
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Flow-related signal void artifacts are visible on T2-weighted (T2W) 3D-SPACE MRI.
• These artifacts in the cerebral aqueduct and fourth ventricle offer insights into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the T2W 3D-SPACE sequence's efficacy in assessing CSF flow.
• Specifically focusing on the aqueduct and fourth ventricle.

Main Methods:

• 137 patients underwent CSF flow studies.
• T2W 3D-SPACE signal loss in the aqueduct and fourth ventricle was graded (0-3).
• Correlation with quantitative phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) values was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in flow velocity and volume across grades at the aqueduct.
• Grade 3 showed significantly higher CSF peak systolic flow velocity and mean flow volume.
• Aqueduct area differed significantly between grade 0 and other grades.

Conclusions:

• Signal loss on T2W 3D-SPACE in the fourth ventricle correlates with PC-MRI measured peak systolic velocity and flow volume.
• T2W 3D-SPACE is a viable tool for qualitative CSF flow assessment.