Interaction of neurofluids flow dynamics studied by PC-MRI

Motivation: Cervical-level is often chosen to estimate Cerebral Blood-Volume Change (CB-VC) during cardiac cycle. Due to the heterogeneity in extracranial cerebral veins anatomy and their high compliance, we hypothesize that the intracranial level could be a better choice to investigate blood and CSF interactions. Goal(s): To determine the best level for studying the interaction of neurofluids flow dynamics. Approach: Using PC-MRI, CB-VC and CSF-Volume Change (CSF-VC) were calculated in 36 volunteers at intracranial and extracranial levels, and their interactions were compared by linear regressions. Results: The interaction between CSF-VC and CB-VC dynamics at intracranial level (R2:0.82±0.16) was higher (p<0.001) than at extracranial level (R2:0.46±0.36). Impact: This study highlights the greater consistency of spinal CSF-VC response to vascular volume dynamics measured intracranially rather than at the cervical level. These findings are valuable to consider for studying cranio-spinal neurofluids flow dynamics interactions, pressure and compliance.