What does a CSF flow study show?

CSF flow studies using PC MRI are routinely used nowadays to determine the severity of CSF flow disturbance. The degree of CSF flow disturbance has been shown to correlate with severity and development of clinical symptoms [14]. Ventricular dilatation is the main finding in brain atrophy.

What is normal CSF flow rate?

Traditionally, the CSF production rate has been considered about 0.30–0.40 ml/min, i.e., about 0.5 L/24 h, with 80% of CSF being produced within the choroid plexus [4], but the methods upon which the numbers are based are debated [6].

How is CSF flow measured?

Phase contrast-magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) has been used to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics. Further, several researchers have successfully measured CSF flow at the cerebral aqueduct using cine PC-MRI.

What does decreased CSF flow mean?

Conclusion: Patients with lower CSF flow had significantly worse memory, visuo-constructive capacities, and verbal fluency. Alterations in CSF flow could contribute to some of the cognitive deficit observed in patients with AD.

Why is white matter dark on T2?

T2-weighted (T2; long TR and long TE): Fat, such as lipids in the white matter, appears dark.

What is hyperdynamic CSF flow?

The hyperdynamic CSF flow results from normal systolic brain expansion compressing the enlarged ventricles. When atrophy occurs, there is less brain expansion, decreased aqueductal CSF flow, and less likelihood of responding to shunting.

What is CSF stroke volume?

Stroke volume (SV), defined as the mean volume of CSF passing through the aqueduct during both systole and diastole, greater than or equal to 42 muL, serves as a selection criterion for patients with good probabilities of improvement after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery (VPS).

How do you calculate stroke volume in CSF?

Temporal parameters evaluation involved determination of R–S interval (onset of CSF systole), R-PS interval (time of CSF peak systole), and duration of CSF systole. Finally systolic stroke volume was calculated from the following equation: systolic stroke volume = mean systolic flow (flux) × duration of CSF systole.

What happens when CSF flow is disrupted?

A significant disruption to the normal CSF circulation can be life threatening, leading to increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and is implicated in hydrocephalus, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, brain trauma, brain tumours and stroke.

How is intracranial hypotension diagnosed?

Your doctor may use the following to diagnose intracranial hypotension:

  1. Physical and neurological examinations.
  2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast.
  3. MR, digital subtraction, and CT myelography may be used to locate the site of the leak.