Application of phase - contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in endoscopic aqueductoplasty

Objective To evaluate the application of phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in endoscopic aqueductoplasty for patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.Methods The clinical diagnosis of hydrocephalus due to aqueduct obstruction in 23 patients was confirmed by phase -contrast cine MRI examination.The patients were treated with endoscopic aqueductoplasty.MRI was repeated during follow- up period.The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow velocity in aqueduct was measured to determine whether the aqueduct was obstructed.Results The Results of phase - contrast cine MRI examinations indicated that there was no CSF flow in aqueduct in any patient.Aqueductoplasty was successfully performed in all patients.after one week,the Results of phase - contrast cine MRI examinations showed an average CSF flow velocity of ( 4.74 ± 1.77 ) cm/s.During follow - up period,intracranial hypertension recurred in two patients in whom CSF flow was not seen inside the aqueduct by phase - contrast cine MRI scan and the aqueduct re - occlusion was revealed by endoscopic exploration.Conclusions By measuring CSF flow velocity,phase - contrast cine MRI could accurately identify whether the aqueduct is obstructed.It should play an important role in the diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus and evaluation of the effectiveness of aqueductoplasty,and it could be used for follow -up evaluation as well. Key words: Neuroendoscope ;  Hydrocephalus ;  Aqueductoplasty ;  Phase - contrast eine MRI ;  Cerebrospinal fluid flow ;  Dynamics ;