ANALYSIS OF CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID FLOW WAVE-FORMS WITH GATED PHASE-CONTRAST MR VELOCITY-MEASUREMENTS

PURPOSE: To analyze the characteristics of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow waveforms and to relate them to the arterial input and veno us output flow waveforms in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Cine phase-co ntrast MR was obtained in 17 volunteers. The temporal velocity informa tion from the cervical pericord CSF spaces, basal cisterns, and aquedu ct, as well as the internal carotid and vertebral arteries and interna l jugular veins, were plotted as waveforms. The waveforms were analyze d for configurations, amplitudes, and temporal patterns. In four volun teers the reproducibility of the precord CSF flow waveforms was examin ed on different days. In three volunteers the effect of jugular venous compression on the precord and aqueductal CSF flow waveforms was also evaluated. RESULTS: (a) Distinct and reproducible configurational fea tures were observed in the CSF flow waveforms. Jugular venous compress ion produced elevation of the diastolic slope of the precord waveforms . (b) The amplitudes were variable. Jugular venous compression reduced the precord CSF velocities. (c) The systolic temporal parameters were less variable and more reproducible than the diastolic temporal param eters. Jugular venous compression resulted in delay in the systolic pa rameters of the precord waveforms. (d) Craniocaudal and caudocranial p ostcord CSF flow occurred either simultaneous with or earlier than the precord CSF flow. Pericord CSF flow in either direction preceded that in the cisterns and in the aqueduct. (e) A significant temporal relat ionship was noted in the precord space between the time of the R wave to the maximum velocities and the arterial flow. CONCLUSION: CSF flow waveform analysis seems to be a reliable, reproducible, and sensitive method for assessing the CSF dynamics.