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Abstract #2267

Direct Visualization and Quantitation of CSF Flow in Shunts

Noam Alperin1,2, Sang H. Lee1, Leonardo Macedo3, Daniele RigamontI4, Ari Blitz3

1University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States; 2Radiology, University of Miami, United States; 3Radiology, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; 4Nuerosurgery, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD


Diversion of excessive CSF from hydrocephalic brains by shunting is, in many cases, a life saving procedure. The down side of shunting is high failure rate. Consequently, about 40% of the shunting procedures performed annually in the US are for shunt replacement. The decision for shunt replacement is challenging as there is no reliable noninvasive test for shunt function. We present the first direct visualization and quantitation of CSF flow in ventricular shunts using high temporal and spatial resolution cine phase contrast MR and automated flow quantitation technique. Volumetric flow rate through in patent shunts were on the order of the CSF production rate.