title: Magnetic resonance imaging of noncommunicating hydrocephalus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this review is to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with noncommunicating hydrocephalus (NCH).
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the technical aspects of MR sequences that are of use for the imaging of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Both the diagnosis of NCH and the follow-up after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are discussed through clinical cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  NCH is related to an obstacle hindering the CSF pathways. The combined use of anatomical and flow-sensitive MR sequences may help to characterize hydrocephalus. An imaging protocol is described at 1.5-T.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The first step of the diagnostic work-up consists of the detection of an obstacle hindering CSF flow pathways using both constructive interference in steady state and flow-sensitive MR sequences. CSF volumetry and quantification of ventricular wall movement may also improve the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with NCH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France. jeromehodel@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hodel
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rahmouni
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zins
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vignaud
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Decq
mesh_terms: D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000473:pathology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*