Opposing CSF hydrodynamic trends found in the cerebral aqueduct and prepontine cistern following shunt treatment in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus

ConclusionsAlthough several studies have quantified the changes in aqueductal flow between hydrocephalic groups and controls, few studies have investigated prepontine cistern flow. Our study was the first to investigate both regions in the same patients for NPH pre- and post- treatment. Following shunt treatment, the aqueductal CSF metrics decreased toward control values, while the prepontine cistern metrics trended up (not significantly) from the normal values established in this study. The opposing trend of the two locations suggests a redistribution of CSF pulsatility in NPH patients. Furthermore, the significantly decreased latency of the prepontine cisternal CSF flow suggests additional evidence for CSF pulsatility dysfunction.
Source: Fluids and Barriers of the CNS - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research