The overall aim of this project is to investigate whether brain pulsations, as measured by ultra-fast magnetic resonance imaging (UFMR), are influenced by dynamic and chronic changes in intracranial pressure. If this is the case, the UFMR-method could be a valuable non-invasive tool for diagnosing and monitoring conditions with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), such as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).
The project is a hospital-based prospective, observational cohort study, in which we will assess UFMR-detected brain pulsations in patients suffering from IIH and iNPH.
We will include patients who, on clinical indication and as part of their existing clinical course of treatment, undergo MR imaging and are
1) referred to a diagnostic tap test (iNPH)
2) diagnosed with a lumbar opening pressure above 250 mmCSF (IIH)
3) referred to an implantation of an intracranial ICP device and shunt operation (iNPH)
All patients will be clinically evaluated and MR-imaged at baseline, where ICP is increased, and again after either the removal of 40 mL CSF or after 3 months of pharmacological or surgical treatment of their condition.
Further, we will establish a control group of healthy volunteers (mixed gender, ages between 18 and 70 years) in whom we will assess UFMR-detected brain pulsation during relaxation and temporarily increased ICP by means of the Valsalva Maneuvre and raised legs.