[en] The to-and-fro velocity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at C-1 and C-2 spinal-cord levels was measured by means of MR velocity-imaging technique, and the correlation of changes in velocity and various biophysical factors influencing the intracranial pressure environment were analyzed. Eight hydrocephalic patients, male and female, of different ages (both infants and adults), and 11 normal volunteers with a similar age range were investigated. The to-and-fro CSF movement was measured by means of phase-shift techniques with a bipolar gradient pulse. The cerebrospinal opening pressure was also recorded in 6 of the 8 hydrocephalic patients, either through a ventricular catheter reservoir or a spinal catheter inserted in the lumbosacral subarachnoid space; the CSF pulse amplitude, the pressure volume index (PVI), and the CSF outflow resistance (Ro) were also evaluated during the procedure. CSF flowed towards caudally in the early systolic phase of a cardiac stroke, but the flow direction was reversed in the early diastolic phase when the maximum flow rate was reached. Although such a flow pattern was commonly observed in all normal and hydrocephalic subjects, whatever the age, there was a marked difference in flow rate between the infants and the pediatric-adults groups, -i.e., it was 5-10 mm/sec for the former and 10-20 mm/sec for the latter. An abnormally high flow rate (33.0 mm/sec) was observed in the hydrocephalic patients when there was a malfunction of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A close correlation was found to exist among the changes in the CSF flow velocity, the CSF pressure amplitude, and the CSF outflow resistance (Ro), but not in the PVI. The measurement of the CSF flow velocity by MR velocity imaging appears to have an important role not only in the investigation of CSF dynamics, but also in the diagnosis and treatment of such pathologies as hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction. (author)

[en] 16 cases of posterior fossa and 6 of middle fossa extra-axial masses and 12 of arachnoid cysts are examined with metrizamide CT cisternography and pneumoencephalo-tomography. 170 mgI/ml metrizamide concentration was sufficient for cisternography. Metrizamide CT cisternography was useful and satisfactory examination for visualization of extra-axial masses of both posterior and middle fossa. Pneumoencephalo-tomography was superior for visualization of small acoustic tumor less than 1.0 cm in diameter. (author)

[en] Metrizamide (Amipaque) CT cisternography were performed to 20 adult cases. Discussed is CT image visualization of 15 cases of posterior fossa lesions. 170 mgl/ml of Metrizamide concentration is sufficient for visualization. Posterior fossa cisterns were well visualized and helpful to analyse relationships between brain parenchym, extra-axial lesion, and bony structure. In C-P angle mass cases, cases larger than 3 cm in diameter gave poor visualization of surrounding subarachnoidal space. High density mass case showed disappearance of mass in high density cisternal image. No severe side effect of contrast media was observed. (author)

[en] DSA of the cavernous sinus was performed in 31 patients, 33 times, via the orbital venography except for a case performed from the inferior petrous sinus. Because of good contrast resolution of DSA, sufficient quality of images were provided with diluted contrast material. Dilution of contrast material relieved patients from heat sensation or pain, and made it possible to use finer needle for a puncture. Continuous images of DSA was diagnostic for filling defects, that is to be able to observe a moment entrance of contrast material into the false filling defect. DSA of orbital venography should be the procedure of first choice for the cavernous sinography. (author)

[en] 64 selective cerebral angiography including 1 retrograde brachal angiography were performed on 25 cases, using Metrizamide (Amipaque). The iodine concentration of metrizamide was 280 mgI/ml. The injection rate of contrast media on selective vessel was 6.0 ml/sec., which was satisfactory on almost all cases. 30.4% among 25 cases complined very slight warm sensation during injection, but none complined heat or burning sensation even without any sedation. The changes of vital signs monitored during angiography disclosed no critical changes, which suggests this contrast media is suitable for using to patients required absoltute bed rest. (author)