[Quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid flow in multiple sclerosis patients]

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Fluid dynamics

Context:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics play a crucial role in brain health and function.
• Quantitative assessment of CSF flow is essential for understanding disease mechanisms.

Purpose:

• To investigate alterations in quantitative indicators of intracranial CSF flow in MS patients across different disease stages.
• To utilize phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC MRI) for precise measurement of CSF flow parameters.
• To compare CSF flow dynamics between acute MS, remitting MS, and healthy controls.

Summary:

• Phase contrast MRI revealed significantly reduced CSF flow velocities and volumes in the acute stage of MS compared to remission and healthy controls.
• Patients in remission showed partial recovery of CSF flow, but parameters remained below those of healthy volunteers.
• Specific quantitative reductions observed include peak positive flow rate (35% lower), peak negative flow rate (36% lower), positive volume (49% lower), and negative volume (37% lower) in the acute stage.

Impact:

• Disordered CSF flow in acute MS may serve as a potential biomarker for inflammation activity.
• PC MRI offers a valuable tool for monitoring CSF circulation in MS patients.
• This technique can aid in evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for MS.