A new ventricular index based on coronal brain magnetic resonance images in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new quantitative index for the diagnosis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty between January 2016 and November 2022. A total of 31 patients diagnosed with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus were included in the study group and 48 patients were included in the control group. Measurement via the new Index was performed on a coronal section of magnetic resonance imaging at the level of the anterior commissure.

RESULTS

The new Index's mean diagnostic performance was 1.16 ± 0.08 in the study group, significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than the mean of 1.43 ± 0.10 in the control group. When a cutoff value of 1.23 was used for the new index, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy rates were 96.1%, 90.7%, 80.6%, 98%, and 91.3%, respectively.

DISCUSSION: The new Index described here is an effective, feasible, reproducible, highly sensitive, and specific quantitative method that can contribute to the improved diagnosis of patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.