Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnosis of Intracranial Hypotension Syndrome

Objective To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of intracranial hypotension syndrome and further understand this disease. Methods MRI was performed in 10 cases with intracranial hypotension syndrome confirmed clinically before treatment with only precontrast MRI in 3 cases and both precontrast and postcontrast MRI in 7 cases. MR Angiography was completed in 3 cases and MR venography in 1 case. Results Dural thickening and dilation of venous sinuses and cerebral veins were observed in 10 cases, downward displacement of the brain and small cerebral ventricle in 6 cases, appearance of the collateral venous sinuses including basilar plexus and inferior petrosal sinus in 4 cases, enlargement of pituitary gland in 5 cases, and subdural fluid collection in 4 cases. Postcontrast MRI demonstrated dural thickening and homogeneous enhancement in seven cases and spinal meningeal enhancement in 2 cases without pial enhancement. Conclusions Intracranial hypotension syndrome showed characteristic MRI findings, which suggested the diagnosis in combination with the change of cerebrospinal fluid pressure.