Cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating the effect of endoscopic aqueductoplasty for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis

Objective To evaluate the effect of endoscopic aqueductoplasty in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis with cine phase-contrast MR imaging. Methods Twelve patients with obstructive hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis underwent brain routine MR and cine phase-contrast MR imaging pre-and post-operation with a Philips Gyroscan 1.5T MR scanner. Qualitative evaluation and quantitative measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through the aqueduct was performed with analytic software for flow. The maximal velocity and maximal flow of CSF flow through the aqueduct pre-and post-operation were measured. Results Brain routine MR showed aqueductal stenosis in all patients. Cine phase-contrast MR imaging showed faint flow throught the aqueduct in 2 patients,and no flow in other 10 patients. In 11 patients,the form of aqueduct became normal and pulsatile CSF flow through the aqueduct was visible post operation,the maximal velocity and maximal flow of CSF flow through the aqueduct increased obviously compared with those preoperative,while in the other patient,the aqueduct keep stenotic post operation,and no CSF flow through the aqueduct. Conclusion Cine phase-contrast MR imaging shows that endoscopic aqueductoplasty is an effective and successful treatment for aqueductal stenosis especially membranous and short-segment stenosis.