Quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid flow in multiple sclerosis patients

To study changes in the quantitative indicators of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at different stages of the disease using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC MRI). The study included 80 patients diagnosed with MS (40 in the acute stage, 40 in remission) and 10 healthy volunteers. CSF flow parameters were assessed using a phase contrast MRI protocol. Peak velocities, stroke volume, and positive and negative flow volume through the ventricular aqueduct were analyzed. In the acute stage, a significant decrease in the studied parameters of cerebrospinal fluid circulation was observed in comparison with patients in remission and the control group (peak positive flow rate was 35% lower on average, peak negative flow rate was 36% lower, positive volume was 49% lower, negative volume was 37% lower). During the remission, the indicators partially recovered but remained below the respective values of healthy volunteers. The results indicate a significant disorder of CSF flow in patients with MS in the acute stage, which may be a potential marker of inflammation activity. Phase contrast MRI can be used to monitor the cerebrospinal fluid circulation in MS patients and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.