3D pCASL with dual PLDs could reflect cerebral blood flow regulation in patients with hydrocephalus

Motivation: It is unclear whether the 3D pCASL with dual PLDs can reflect blood flow (CBF) regulation in hydrocephalus patients. Goal(s): To investigate hemodynamic characteristics in patients with hydrocephalus and whether ΔCBF can reflect cerebral regulation. Approach: Patients with hydrocephalus and control subjects were retrospectively included. Regional CBF and ΔCBF were compared using covariance analyses. The relationship between ΔCBF and ventricular dilatation degree was investigated using linear regression analyses and interaction analysis. Results: Compared to the control group, hydrocephalus patients showed larger ΔCBF in all brain regions except for the bilateral parietal cortex and cerebellum. Impact: Patients with hydrocephalus initiate cerebral regulation to maintain CBF but require longer arterial transit times. The ability to regulate CBF in brain regions represented by the watershed is associated with the degree of ventricular dilation.