MR volumetric changes after diagnostic CSF removal in normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Although diagnostic CSF removal in patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is performed frequently, its impact on changes of the global brain volume and volume of the ventricles has not been studied in detail. We examined 20 patients with clinical and radiological signs of NPH. These received MRI prior to and immediately after diagnostic CSF removal, either via lumbar puncture (TAP, n = 10) or via external lumbar drainage (ELD, n = 10).

Diffusion tensor imaging in patients with adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus.

Objective: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters were investigated in patients with chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus to evaluate microstructural changes of brain tissue caused by chronic ventricular dilatation.

Methods: Eleven patients fulfilling the criteria for possible or probable idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and 10 healthy control subjects underwent MRI at 3 Tesla, including DTI with 12 gradient directions. Patients were scanned before lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) withdrawal tests.