CSF flow dynamics in motor neuron disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics involvement in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we conducted CSF flow studies on 40 individuals with motor neuron diseases (MNDs) including ALS, and 28 age-matched normal and disease [cervical spondylosis (CS)] controls.

METHODS

The CSF pulsatile velocity anterior to the cervical cord at level C5 during one heart beat was determined non-invasively by phase-contrast electrocardiography-triggered magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

In MND, caudal CSF velocity peaked at 25% of the cardiac cycle after the R wave (UT(c)/RR), showing an increased delay in comparison to normal controls, while amplitude H(c) was significantly larger than that in CS.

DISCUSSION: We conclude that CSF flow dynamics of MND differ from those of controls and may thus facilitate differentiation of MND from CS.