Can low b value diffusion weighted imaging evaluate the character of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics?

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether low b value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can show the change of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics.

Materials and methods: The subjects of this retrospective study consisted of patients with ventricular dilatation (n = 50) and controls (n = 50). The CSF signal intensity on the b = 500 s/mm² DWI was evaluated by a scoring method in the lateral, 3rd and 4th ventricles, the cerebral sulci and the Sylvian fissure. The signal void findings adjacent to the septum pellucidum were also evaluated.

Results: The CSF signal intensities were significantly less in lateral ventricle and 3rd ventricle of the ventricular dilatation subjects. In controls, the score for the signal void in the Sylvian fissure showed a significant positive correlation with age. However, other areas did not show a significant correlation with age. The appearance of the characteristic signal void adjacent to the septum pellucidum showed a significant correlation with ventricular dilatation.

Conclusion: Our current study suggests that the CSF signal intensity on the b = 500 s/mm² DWI may show the changes in CSF dynamics and might be useful to evaluate the overlook of CSF dynamics.

Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics; Diffusion-weighted image; Low b value; Septum pellucidum; Ventricular dilatation.