Flow measurements in intracranial veins using the fast Fourier flow method

Quantitative flow measurements in cerebral veins have been performed in order to delineate normal variations due to interindividual or respiratory variations. Selected patients were examined to define the diagnostic value of the new method. The cerebral venous flow was examined with a 2-T whole-body system by means of the fast Fourier flow method. In 20 volunteers, the sinuses and the internal cerebral and jugular veins were measured with electrocardiographic gating or with respiratory control. Fifteen selected patients (tumorous stenosis of the sinuses, sinus thrombosis, vascular malformation) were examined, and the results compared with qualitative angiographic data. The venous flow within the sinuses showed approximately a laminar flow pattern, and maximal flow velocities varied from 10 to 40 cm/sec with little pulsatility. In tumors compressing the sinus, a reduction in flow velocity and volume was proved. The examined arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) showed up to a twofold increase in flow velocities. In a gravid patient with severe headache, the authors not only could diagnose the thrombosis but could also exactly define the compensatory pathways