Patient-specific 3D simulation of cyclic CSF flow at the craniocervical region.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012;
33:1756-62. [PMID:
22517282 DOI:
10.3174/ajnr.a3047]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Flow simulations in patient-specific models of the subarachnoid space characterize CSF flow in more detail than MR flow imaging. We extended previous simulation studies by including cyclic CSF flow and patient-specific models in multiple patients with Chiari I. We compared simulation results with MR flow measurements.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Volumetric high resolution image sets acquired in 7 patients with Chiari I, 3 patients who had previous craniovertebral decompression, and 3 controls were segmented and converted to mathematical models of the subarachnoid space. CSF flow velocities and pressures were calculated with high spatial and temporal resolution during simulated oscillatory flow in each model with the Navier-Stokes equations. Pressures, velocities, and bidirectional flow were compared in the groups (with Student t test). Peak velocities in the simulations were compared with peak velocities measured in vivo with PCMR.
RESULTS
Flow visualization for patients and volunteers demonstrated nonuniform reversing patterns resembling those observed with PCMR. Velocities in the 13 subjects were greater between C2 and C5 than in the foramen magnum. Chiari patients had significantly greater peak systolic and diastolic velocities, synchronous bidirectional flow, and pressure gradients than controls. Peak velocities measured in PCMR correlated significantly (P = .003; regression analysis) despite differences between them.
CONCLUSIONS
In simulations of CSF, patients with Chiari I had significantly greater peak systolic and diastolic velocities, synchronous bidirectional flow, and pressure gradients than controls.
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