Direct in vivo observation of transventricular absorption in the hydrocephalic dog using magnetic resonance imaging.
OBJECTIVE
A model of chronic noncommunicating hydrocephalus in canines was developed, and gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, physiologic and morphologic studies were performed to investigate transventricular absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.


METHODS
Chronic hydrocephalus was induced in 12 mongrel dogs by injection of a silastic mixture into the prepontine cisterns. Ventricular pressure was measured during the development of hydrocephalus, and lateral ventriculo-ventricular perfusions with Gd-DTPA were performed under controlled conditions during serial magnetic resonance imaging studies.


RESULTS
Hydrocephalus developed over an average of 129 +/- 24 days after induction, and the intraventricular pressure increased from an initial level of 14 +/- 4 cm H2O to a stabilized plateau of 25 +/- 5 cm H2O. Increased signal intensity in the brain matter, as seen on magnetic resonance images of chronic hydrocephalic dogs perfused with Gd-DTPA in the lateral ventricles, was consistent with the presence of the contrast agent in the periventricular extracellular space. This increased signal intensity was not observed in control animals.


CONCLUSIONS
These results provide direct evidence of transventricular absorption in chronic hydrocephalus.
Deo-Narine
V
V
Department of Radiology, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical College, New York.
Gomez
D G
DG
Vullo
T
T
Manzo
R P
RP
Zimmerman
R D
RD
Deck
M D
MD
Cahill
P T
PT
D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000502:physiology; D003287:Contrast Media; D004285:Dogs; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA