| Abstract: | The study was undertaken to examine the potentialities of new MRI techniques (MR-myelocysternoventriculography and phasic contrast-enhanced MRI with reference to a cardiac cycle) in visualizing the spinal fluid system and flow in different groups of neurosurgical patients. MR-myelocysternoventriculography was based on the sequences of SSFP-3D (Signa, GE, 1.5 T) and PSIF-3D (Magnetom 42SP, Siemens, 1.0 T). These regimens were applied to obtain highly T2*-weighed images. These techniques were used in 280 patients. Phasic contrast-enhanced MRI with reference to a cardiac cycle was performed in the axial (through the aqueduct of the cerebrum) and sagittal projects (CINE-2D mode, Signa GE). This technique was employed to study 30 patients and 5 healthy volunteers. MRI-cysternography based on SSFP-3D- and PSIF-3D sequences is recommended as the method of choice in evaluating the 3rd ventriculostoma and, in combination with spiral computed tomography, in detecting fistulas of the base of the skull. Phasic contrast-enhanced MRI with reference to a cardiac cycle yielded the values of spinal fluid flow through the aqueduct of the cerebrum in health: Vsyst max = 4.1 +/- 1.3 cm/sec; Vsyst mean = 2.5 +/- 1.4 cm/sec; Vdiast max = 3.4 +/- 1.5 cm/sec; Vdist mean = 2.5 +/- 1.7 cm/sec (N = 5). The prospect of the technique is to develop recommendations and to predict prognosis while making bypass surgery for ventriculostomas and cystostomas. |
