J Korean Radiol Soc.  2007 Aug;57(2):129-135. 10.3348/jkrs.2007.57.2.129.

The Significance of Diffusion Weighted Imaging for the Diagnosis of Pyogenic Ventriculitis

• Ihn YK
• Hwang SS
• Kim TY

• KMID: 2103869
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2007.57.2.129

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the significance of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for the diagnosis of pyogenic ventriculitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this retrospective study, 9 patients with pyogenic ventricultis underwent a set of imaging sequences that included DWI, T1-and T2-weighted imaging, FLAIR and enhanced T1 weighted imaging. DWI consisted of an axial single shot spin echo EPI pulse sequence with b values of 0 and 1000 sec/mm2. We evaluated the presence and signal intensity of ventricular debris, hydrocephalus, periventricular signal abnormality, and ependymal enhancement. The apparent diffusion coffiecient values of ventricular debris and cortical gray matter were calculated from the ADC map.
RESULTS
In all patients, ventricular debris was hyperintense on the DWIs. A periventricular hyperintense signal was present in all cases on FLAIR and T2WI. Ependymal enhancement was detected in eight (89%) of 9 cases. A hydrocephalus was observed in 6 (67%) of 9 cases. The mean ADC value of ventricular debris was 0.735 +/- 0.117 (10(-3) mm2/sec). These ADC values were significantly lower than those for cortical gray matter (1.052 +/- 0.149 (10(-3) mm2/sec)).
CONCLUSION
Ventricular debris was most conspicuous finding of ventriculitis on DWI. Areas of intraventricular hyperintensity on DWI corresponded to the decreased ADC values.

Keyword

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging; Cerebral ventricles; Encephalitis

MeSH Terms

Cerebral Ventricles
Diagnosis*
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Diffusion*
Encephalitis
Humans
Hydrocephalus
Retrospective Studies