Introduction: 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.
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