Application of spatial modulation of magnetization to cervical spinal stenosis for evaluation of the hydrodynamic changes occurring in cerebrospinal fluid.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the hydrodynamic changes occurring in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in cervical spinal stenosis using the spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM) technique.


METHODS
Using the SPAMM technique, 44 patients with cervical spinal stenosis and ten healthy volunteers were investigated. The degree of cervical spinal stenosis was rated as low-, intermediate-, or high-grade. Lowgrade stenosis was defined as involving no effacement of the subarachnoid space, intermediate-grade as involving effacement of this space, and high-grade as involving effacement of this space, together with compressive myelopathy. The patterns of SPAMM stripes and CSF velocity were evaluated and compared between each type of spinal stenosis and normal spine.


RESULTS
Low-grade stenosis (n = 23) revealed displacement or discontinuity of stripes, while intermediate- (n = 10) and high-grade (n = 11) showed a continuous straight band at the stenotic segment. Among low-grade cases, 12 showed wave separation during the systolic phase. Peak systolic CSF velocity at C4-5 level in these cases was lower than in volunteers (p <.05), but jet-like CSF propulsion was maintained. Among intermediate-grade cases, peak systolic velocity at C1-2 level was lower than in the volunteer group, but the difference was not significant (p >.05). In high-grade stenosis, both diastolic and systolic velocities were significantly lower (p <.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Various hydrodynamic changes occurring in CSF flow in cervical spinal stenosis were demonstrated by the SPAMM technique, and this may be a useful method for evaluating CSF hydrodynamic change in cervical spinal stenosis.
Lee
K H
KH
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Chung
T S
TS
Jeon
T J
TJ
Kim
Y H
YH
Chien
D
D
Laub
G
G
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012212:Rheology; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000473:pathology