Francesco Murgante MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Tomasina Meloni MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francesca Crinò MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Daniela Mittino MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alessandro Stecco MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rita Fossaceca, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alessandro Carriero, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of the work is to teach the most common MR findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and to define the role of myelo-TC and myelo-MR in the diagnosis of the syndrome.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a neurologic syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by features of low cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pressure, postural headache and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. Non-spontaneous causes are lumbar puncture, cranial tears, craniotomy, paranasal sinuses surgery, flogistic or neoplastic bone erosions, traumatic avulsion of spinal roots and CSF fistulas. MRI findings are diffuse spinal and intracranial pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement, generalized sagging of the brain with downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils like Type I Arnold-Chiari malformation, subdural CSF collections, spinal abnormalities like expanded extradural spaces and distended epidural venous plexuses. MRI features are virtually diagnostic for SIH syndrome while radioisotope cisternography is probably the most sensitive examination for documenting the eventual leakage of CSF. Myelo-CT and myelo-MR may demonstrate the points of CSF fistulas.

Murgante, F, Meloni, T, Crinò, F, Mittino, D, Stecco, A, Fossaceca, R, Carriero, A, et al, , Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Syndrome: MR Findings and Image Gallery.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4409908.html