The diagnosis of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction by using phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract The ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a gold standard procedure to treat hydrocephalus. However, shunt malfunction is the common complications after surgery. In this study, we utilize phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (PC cine MRI) to improve the diagnosis of VP shunt malfunction. In in vitro and in vivo experiment results demonstrate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow velocities in the shunt tube are significantly decreased in the shunt malfunction group, which indicated PC cine MRI could evaluate the CSF flow dynamics of VP shunt effectively. This method is noninvasive and simple, also can improve the diagnosis of shunt malfunction.