The introduction of fluid motion sensitive MR sequences allows a physiologic evaluation of CSF circulation. The authors use a phase contrast MR sequence to evaluate the CSF flow in 48 patients (12 with ventriculostomy, 10 with Chiari malformations, 7 with aqueductal stenosis, 15 with various degrees cranio-ventricular malformatios, 3 with syringomyelia and 3 with normal pressure hydrocephalus.) The technique is particularly useful in the evaluation of the opening of ventriculocisternostomy. Some technical problems that can give a false negative examination are discussed.
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