A Quantitative and Non-Invasive MR-based Method to Analyze Ventricular Shunt Flow in Patients with Hydrocephalus

Motivation: We investigate a new approach to evaluating ventricular shunt function using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). Goal(s): Our goal was to demonstrate the rapid (96-second) sequence as a practical adjunct for determining shunt function non-invasively. Approach: An MRI phantom was constructed to assess CSF flows between 0-24 cc/hr while in vivo studies measured 21 consecutive patients. Results: The PC-MRI calibration curve demonstrates a slightly non-linear relationship between flow output by pump and PC-MRI measured velocity. The in vivo patient studies flows ranged between 7 and 54 cc/hr. Impact: Our work shows that PC-MRI is a non-invasive method for the measurement of CSF flow through the shunt in patients with hydrocephalus. Our work shows that PC-MRI is a promising addition to the clinical setting.