Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a shunt does not have a constant flow rate. The flow fluctuates from 0.01 ml/min to 1.93 ml/min according to each patient's own daily supine rhythmic pattern. We determined and evaluated the factors influencing CSF flow in a shunt in 19 cases of hydrocephalus. Postural changes, such as head elevation, led to increases by over 0.04 ml/min in inshunt CSF flow, while inshunt CSF flow in the supine position was less than 0.04 ml/min. Respiratory changes, such as coughing and apnea-hyperventilation, also influenced inshunt CSF flow. Changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) corresponded to changes in inshunt CSF flow. Inshunt CSF flows were higher than average during the night, the flows being stimulated by increases in ICP especially during REM sleep.
An implantable device for measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt tube has been developed. The unit is energized by an extracorporeal high-frequency generator (200 KHz), and electrolysis creates bubbles in the shunt tube. Velocity of bubble flow is detected by a pair of ultrasonic Doppler probes placed a certain distance apart on the skin surface and in parallel with the implanted tube. The CSF flow rate is calculated taking into account velocity and tube diameter, and is expressed in ml/min. The unit consists of a coil with a capacitor, a silicon diode to rectify the high frequency, and a Zener diode to regulate maximum output voltage of 20 V. The output is fed to a pair of platinum electrodes placed inside the unit's tunnel through which the CSF flows. These components are molded in epoxy resin and coated with medical-grade silicone rubber. In animal experiments, CSF flow rates ranging from 0.033 to 1.0 ml/min could be measured by this flowmeter. Clinically, CSF flow has been measured to date in several cases. In two cases of communicating hydrocephalus occurring after the onset of cerebrovascular disease, and in which the CSF flow was continuously monitored for 24 hours, the flow rate ranged between 0.05 and 0.78 ml/min. The CSF flow rate fluctuates in a 24-hour period, increasing in the morning, especially between 12 midnight and 6 a.m., which suggests a circadian rhythm.
Cerebral aqueductal stenosis is one of the most common causes of congenital and acquired hydrocephalus, but the etiology, pathophysiology and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics of aqueductal stenosis have yet to be clarified. Utilizing cardiac gated cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we evaluated aqueductal configuration and pulsatile motion of brain and CSF flow stimulated by cardiac pulsation in five patients with non-tumoral aqueductal stenosis. Cine MR of four cases revealed obliteration of the aqueduct by thickening mesencephalic tectum, turbulent CSF flow in the III ventricle, and absence of flow-related signal void, which in all normal cases indicates CSF movement within the aqueduct. In the remaining fifth case, with proximal dilation of the aqueduct resulting from thinning of the tectum, distortion of caudal (distal) tectum related to pulsatile motion of the brain caused funnel-like narrowing of the aqueduct, leading to incomplete obstruction and the absence of upward CSF flow during diastole.
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