Diagnostic Accuracy of Phase Contrast MRI Technique in Detecting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics play a critical role in neurological conditions such as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), aqueductal stenosis, and Chiari malformation and also play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). The use of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) to non-invasively quantify cerebro spinal fluid dynamics (CSF) aid in diagnosis and treating such conditions. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of phase contrast MRI technique in detecting cerebrospinal fluid flow. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional study and it included 136 participants and was conducted at the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India. All subjects under the inclusion criteria, underwent PC-MRI using a 3T MRI scanner to evaluate CSF flow dynamics, with post-processing performed on a Syngovia workstation. Results: The majority of participants were male (55.88%), with a mean age of 46.84 years. Normal pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) was the most prevalent condition (35.29%), followed by diffuse cerebral atrophy (23.53%). The study revealed distinct cerebro spinal fluid flow patterns across neurological conditions. Normal pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) showed the highest peak systolic velocity (PSV) at 9.24 cm/s and a stroke volume of 65 µl. Aqueductal stenosis exhibited a lower PSV of 6.53 cm/s but a higher stroke volume of 70 µl. These findings demonstrate significant variations in CSF dynamics, emphasizing the utility of PC-MRI. Conclusion: Phase contrast – Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool for assessing cerebro-spinal fluid flow dynamics, providing critical insights into the pathophysiology of neurological conditions. The study highlights the importance of peak velocity as a reliable metric, suggesting its incorporation into routine clinical assessments to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.