Enhancement of Pulse Simulation in Quantifying Procedure of Very Slow CSF Flow Measurement with Shunt-FENSI

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts drain excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for hydrocephalus patients, but shunts placed shortly after birth 50% fail within 2 years. Since rapid MRI is becoming the standard for imaging possible shunt malfunction, an MRI technique that assesses shunt flow at the same imaging setting, would be beneficial. Previously, the non-invasive quantitative method, Shunt Flow Enhancement of Signal Intensity (Shunt-FENSI), was proposed for diagnosing possible shunt failure. An improvement in its flow data simulation and quantification is included, more accurately reflecting the RF pulse application in the pulse sequence. Improvements are demonstrated on phantom, extraventricular drain (EVD), and shunt patients.