Modern methods of investigation CSF pathology

Abstract

Modern MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) programme supportmodification more and more often makes a radiologist torefuse the invasive techniques in favour of more safe methodslike Magnetic Resonance Myelography, Magnetic ResonanceCisternography, combination of CT and MR-cisternography. Toevaluate CSF flow and obtain quantitative characteristics of linearand regional CSF flow the method of phase-contrast MRI isused. Today these methods have become a routine practice andmay be indicated for all patients with the corresponding CSFsystem pathology. The spectrum of diagnoses is rather large: alltypes of hydrocephalus, arachnoid cysts, midline tumours andtumors located in the CSF lumen, empty saddle, differenttypes of CSF leakage, Arnold-Chiari malformations, anomalousdevelopment of the brain and brain ventricles, ventriculostoma(artificial and spontaneous), postoperative CSF collectionsconvexital hygromas. Magnetic Resonance Myelography andMagnetic Resonance Cisternography can successfully replacethe invasive methods of visualization of cerebral and spinal CSFspaces. Phase-contrast MRI has proved to be efficient indemonstrating open hydrocephalus and providing postoperativecontrol in Arnold-Chiari malformations.

Keywords

• magnetic resonance myelography
• magnetic resonance cisternography
• phase-contrast mri
• csf flow
• arnold-chiari malformation