Correlation Between Trans-Stenotic Blood Flow Velocity Differences and the Cerebral Venous Pressure Gradient in Transverse Sinus Stenosis: A Prospective 4-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

BACKGROUND

The relationship between trans-stenotic blood flow velocity differences and the cerebral venous pressure gradient (CVPG) in transverse sinus (TS) stenosis (TSS) has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hemodynamic manifestations of TSS and the relationship between trans-stenotic blood flow velocity differences and the CVPG.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or pulsatile tinnitus (PT) and TSS who had undergone diagnostic venography using venous manometry were included in the patient group. Thirty-three volunteers with no stenosis and symptoms were included in the control group. All the 2 groups underwent prospective venous sinus 4-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The average velocity (Vavg) difference and maximum velocity (Vmax) difference between downstream and upstream of the TS in 2 groups were measured and compared. Correlations between the CVPG and trans-stenotic Vavg difference/Vmax difference/index of transverse sinus stenosis (ITSS) were assessed in the patient group.

RESULTS

The differences in Vavg difference and Vmax difference between the patient and control groups showed a statistical significance (P < .001). The Vavg difference and Vmax difference had a strong correlation with CVPG (R = 0.675 and 0.701, respectively, P < .001) in the patient group. Multivariate linear regression using the stepwise method showed that the Vmax difference and ITSS were correlated with the CVPG (R = 0.752 and R2 = 0.537, respectively; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The trans-stenotic blood flow velocity difference significantly correlates with the CVPG in TSS. As a noninvasive imaging modality, 4D flow MRI may be a suitable screening or complimentary tool to decide which TSS may benefit from invasive venous manometry.