Diagnosis of normal-pressure hydrocephalus using CT with CSF enhancement.

Cisternography with the water-soluble contrast medium metrizamide provides substantial advantages for CT demonstration: the discrimination and sharpness of definition of the basal cisterns can be considerably improved by the positive demonstration of the subarachnoid spaces. Studies of CSF dynamics make it possible to differentiate between a communicating hydrocephalus aresorptivus and a hydrocephalus within the scope of a brain atrophy. Brain substance defects and subarachnoid cysts can be clarified with respect to communication with the CSF space. Apart from providing static insights, the cisternographic use of metrizamide through repeated CT examinations also makes it possible to make conclusive statements about CSF dynamics.