Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

CSF flow study (CINE-MRI) results

Hi All,
Last week, I had a second round of MRIs. My first round was about a month ago. It was of my cervical, lumbar, and pelvis areas, and it found a 8 mm Chiari.
This time I had MRIs of my brain, thoracic spine, CSF flow study. I will see a specialist next week. I am hoping someone out there could shed some light on the implications of my results.
The good news is that there is no syrinx, no hydrocephalus, and no other associated abnormalities.
The CSF flow study results were are not so good. Here is what the report says:
"The CSF flow study demonstrates normal CSF flow in the prepontine cistern, the cervicomedullary junction, as well as anterior and posterior to the upper cervical cord in systole and diastole. However, there is no CSF flow in the retrocerebellar cistern or in the fourth ventricle.
IMPRESSION:
Absence of CSF flow in the retrocerebellar cistern as well as the fourth ventricle in systole and diastole due to Chiari 1 malformation."
I knew that a reduction in CSF flow would be a sign that the CM is likely the cause of my symptoms, and not an 'incedental finding', but I did not expect to read that there is NO CSF flow in those regions. Is this how symptomatic CM usually presents? Is the retrocerebellar cistern the same as the cisterna magna? I could not find a definition anywhere.
Is there anyone out there who has similar test results who hasn't had/isn't planning on surgery?
I would appreciate any information anyone can share. I hope y'all are having a pain free day. Thanks!
~Lena
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER


Many of us have flow in other areas it is generally in the posterior region there is no flow...as that is where the tonsils are....the 4th ventricle is the usual place for this....so, u really need to see if u have a syrinx forming by having MRI's on a reg basis or if u have ne change to symptoms. That is if u plan not to have surgery now if ur Drs feel that is best....u may be able to wait as for most it can take up to a yr until testing and all the paper work gets done....and u r sure of the Dr u want.....

That sounds interesting and very timely as many want to renovate with up cycling and to be more aware of using sustainable materials....good luck to u.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm going to get my Masters in Building Science. So, I'll be studying how to design buildings, mechanical systems, and materials to create more sustainable and energy efficient buildings.
I expect I will need surgery at some point, I just hope that I can wait until next summer, so I don't have to postpone my education :/

I'm not sure what to compare the blockage to, in terms of severity. "No CSF flow in the retrocerebellar cistern or in the fourth ventricle" sounds pretty bad, but there is also normal flow the other areas. Do you how this compares to other Chiarians?

~Lena
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  U r welcome Lena...may I ask what u r going to grad school for?

I think it will depend on how bad the blockage is, and how it is affecting u and ur overall health as to what ur Dr will suggest.....


Keep us posted on what u find out : )
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Selma,
Thanks for your response, and your welcoming note! From what I have read, it seems that surgery is the best option for people with my symptoms. I just hope I don't need surgery right away because I am starting graduate school in the fall. Well, I will see what the Chiari specialist says next week. Thanks!
~Lena
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Netime u have an obstruction to CSF flow it can form a syrinx, even if u do not have one now, it may develop later on, and with these it can take yrs for one to form or weeks....so u do have to keep a close eye on it as a syrinx left untreated can cause perm nerve damage and y many of us choose to have surgery to lessen the possibility of one forming and to restore CSF flow.....

I had surgery so , I can not respond to part of ur question, but wanted to welcome u and I hope u find answers and support here : )
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Chiari Malformation Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
987762 tn?1671273328
Australia
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease