Insights on the Hydrodynamics of Chiari Malformation

Background: We propose that the appearance of a ptosis of the cerebellar tonsils and syringomyelia is linked to its own hemohydrodynamic mechanisms. We aimed to quantify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cerebral blood flow to highlight how neurofluid is affected by Chiari malformations type 1(CMI) and its surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively included 21 adult patients with CMI who underwent pre- and postoperative phase contrast MRI (PCMRI) during the period from 2001 to 2017. We analyzed intraventricular CSF, subarachnoid spaces CSF, blood, and tonsils pulsatilities.

Results: In preoperative period, jugular venous drainage seems to be less preponderant in patients with syringomyelia than other patients (venous correction factor: 1.49 ± 0.4 vs. 1.19 ± 0.1, = 0.05). After surgery, tonsils pulsatility decreased significantly (323 ± 175 μL/cardiac cycle (CC) vs. 194 ± 130 μL/CC, = 0.008) and subarachnoid CSF pulsatility at the foramen magnum increased significantly (201 ± 124 μL/CC vs. 363 ± 231 μL/CC, = 0.02). After surgery, we found a decrease in venous flow amplitude (5578 ± 2469 mm/s vs. 4576 ± 2084 mm/s, = 0.008) and venous correction factor (1.98 ± 0.3 vs. 1.20 ± 0.3 mm/s, = 0.004).

Conclusions: Phase-contrast MRI could be a useful additional tool for postoperative evaluation and follow-up, and is complementary to morphological imaging.