Abstract

Purpose-
To study cerebrospinal fluid flow by using phase contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging to
differentiate communicating hydrocephalus patients from non-communicating hydrocephalus
patients.
Material and method
47 patients of hydrocephalus of all age group and gender were included for this prospective
study, among those referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis GRMC Gwalior for further
evaluation with MRI. Patients giving informed consent were included in the studyfor 2 years.
Result
In communicating patients, mean PV at the level of aqueduct was found to be 7.26 ± 3.56
cm/s (range 2.07- 11.96), mean MV was 0.374 ± 0.495 cm/s (range 0.01- 2.18) and mean
stroke volume to be 0.0189 ± 0.043 ml (range 0.001- 0.18) and mean absolute stroke volume
to be 0.0595± 0.0628 (range 0.001- 0.25). In Non- communicating patients, mean PV at the
level of aqueduct was found to be 8.47 ± 3.26 cm/s (range 1.25- 11.92), mean MV was 2.21 ±
2.3 cm/s (range .001- 6.09) and mean SV to be 0.1±0.178 ml (range 0.001- 0.64).Between
communicating and non-communicating patients, there is a significant difference in mean
MV( P value 0.0001). ROC curve analysis was done for mean MV which showed cut-off
value of 0.68 with sensitivity 58.3% and specificity 89%and mean ASV (P value 0.015).
ROC curve analysis was done for mean ASV which showed cut-off value of 0.065 with
sensitivity 91% and specificity 68% (Graph 2)