Venous system pathologies have increasingly been linked to disorders of CSF circulation whereas the exact coupling mechanisms still remain unknown. Using real-time phase-contrast MRI fluid dynamics of both systems were studied during normal and forced breathing in healthy subjects at spinal lumbar level L3. The aim was to provide experimental evidence that respiration couples CSF and venous flow. A correlation between CSF and venous flow could be observed during forced breathing. The findings point to a dynamic interplay between the fluid systems to regulate intracranial volume. Further insights will expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of different forms hydrocephalus.
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