Diffusion-weighted imaging-based fluidography for assessing cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in the brains

Motivation: Few study has developed the 3-D image like DTI-tractography to show tendency of CSF dynamic through the whole brain. Goal(s): To develop DWI-fluidography for demonstrating tendency of CSF dynamic through the whole brain. Approach: DWI with multiple b values and MPGs was scanned, and calculated a statistical variation of DWI signals obtained by different MPGs at each b value. The normalized value of the summation of all variations was defined as a value in a voxel for DWI-fluidography. Results: The 3-D DWI-fluidography clearly showed differences of CSF dynamics at anatomical spaces filled with CSF, and the fluidography could reflect quantitative results with ADCs. Impact: The DWI-fluidgraphy has the potential to help us to diagnose/find/investigate CSF-related diseases in the brain. Then, it may open the door to new research area.