An evaluation of the relationship between body mass index and head circumference in the flow dynamics of cerebral spinal fluid with phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging technique in a healthy pediatric age group

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and head circumference with cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics in a healthy pediatric age group. MATERIAL and METHOD: The study comprised 137 cases who had no systemic disease, brain pathology and medications. To evaluate CSF quantitatively, images were taken in the axial plane at the aqueduct level with the Phase Contrast MR Angiography technique. Investigation was made to document and compare the aqueduct areas and the age and gender of the child, head circumference, BMI and CSF parameters (peak rate, mean rate, advanced flow volume, reverse flow volume, net volume). RESULTS: Of 137 cases, 62 (45.3%) are females and 75 (54.7%) males with a mean age of 68.8 months (range, 3-202 months). During phase contrast MR examination of all the cases, the mean peak velocity was determined as 5.47±2.84 cm/sec, mean of the average velocity 0.75±0.63 cm/sec, mean forward flow volume 0.015±0.013 ml, mean reverse flow volume 0.011±0.017 ml, mean net flow volume 0.0086±0.0013 ml, and mean aqueduct area 1.96±0.95 mm². The net volume was statistically significant in females than males. No statistically significant relationship was determined between the age of the cases and aqueduct area, mean average velocity and reverse flow volume. 41 The peak velocity value was found to be higher in children aged 2-10 years. Forward flow volume and net volume were found to be lower in children aged 0-1 year. No statistically significant relationship was determined between head circumference and peak velocity and mean velocity values. In those with head circumference below normal measurements, the forward flow volume, reverse flow volume, net volume and aqueduct area were found to be statistically significantly low. No statistically significant relationship was determined between BMI and phase contrast MRI parameters. CONCLUSION: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CSF flow dynamics, body mass index and head circumference in a healthy paediatric age group. We found that small head circumference has affected the BOS flow, decrease the parameters of forward volume, reverse volume, net volume, aquaduct area. No significant relationship was determined between BMI and CSF parameters. Key Words: Cine magnetic resonance imaging; Cerebrospinal fluid; head; circumference; Body Mass Index