Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CSF flow in the brain of dogs with hydrocephalus and enlarged
By Farke, Daniela et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2024·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: CSF flow measurement in the mesencephalic aqueduct using 2D cine phase-contrast MRI in dogs with communicating internal hydrocephalus, ventriculomegaly, and physiologic ventricular spaces.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of brachycephalic dogs (like Bulldogs and Pugs) with enlarged brain ventricles or internal hydrocephalus (a condition where fluid builds up in the brain) were studied using MRI to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. The results showed that these dogs had significantly higher CSF flow speeds compared to dogs with normal brain ventricles. This suggests that the increased fluid flow may be linked to their conditions. Understanding these dynamics can help veterinarians better diagnose and treat dogs suffering from these issues.
People also search for: dog hydrocephalus symptoms · brachycephalic dog brain problems · MRI for dog ventriculomegaly
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brachycephalic dogs are overrepresented with ventricular enlargement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics are not completely understood. MRI techniques have been used for the visualization of CSF dynamics including phase-contrast imaging. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine a causality between CSF flow and ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus and to compare CSF flow dynamics among dogs with ventriculomegaly, internal hydrocephalus, and physiologic ventricles. ANIMALS: A total of 51 client-owned dogs were included in the study. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based FLASH sequences and phase-contrast images of the brain were obtained, and the ROI was placed at the level of the mesencephalic aqueduct. ECG monitoring was performed parallel to MRI acquisition. Evaluation of flow diagrams and processing of phase-contrast images were performed using commercially available software (Argus VA80A, Siemens AG Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany). Dogs were divided into three groups: Group 1 consisted of brachycephalic dogs with ventriculomegaly (group 1A) or internal hydrocephalus (group 1B), group 2 consisted of brachycephalic dogs with normal ventricles, and group 3 consisted of meso- to dolichocephalic dogs with normal ventricles. RESULTS: Group 1 had a higher median V(4.32 cm/s; CI: 2.94-6.33 cm/s) and V(-6.1 cm/s, CI: 3.99-9.33 cm/s) than group 2 (V: 1.99 cm/s; CI 1.43-2.78 cm/s; V2.91 cm/s, CI: 2.01-4.21 cm/s; = 0.008; = 0.03) and group 3 (V:1.85 cm/s, CI: 1.31-2.60 cm/s; V - 2.46 cm/s, CI 1.68-3.58 cm/s; = 0.01; = 0.02). The median Volof group 1 (-0.23 mL/min, CI: 0.13-0.42 mL/min) was higher than that of group 2 (-0.09 mL/min, CI: 0.05 mL/min and 0.15 mL/min) ( = 0.03). Groups 1A and 1B did not differ in V, V, Vol, and Vol. Group 1A and 1B showed a higher median V(4.01 cm/s, CI: 2.30-7.05 cm/s; 5.94 cm/s, CI: 2.16-7.88 cm/s) than group 2 (1.85 cm/s, CI: 1.24-2.80 cm/s.) ( = 0.03; = 0.004). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Increased CSF flow velocities in rostral and caudal directions are present in dogs with ventriculomegaly and internal hydrocephalus compared to normal controls.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39568481/