cerebrospinal fluid flow artifact
Motion-related signal changes in MRI caused by the pulsatile flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Full Definition
Cerebrospinal fluid flow artifact refers to signal intensity variations and ghosting effects that occur in MRI images due to the pulsatile movement of CSF within the ventricular system and subarachnoid spaces. This artifact is particularly prominent in T2-weighted sequences and can manifest as hyperintense or hypointense signal changes that may mimic pathology. The artifact follows cardiac and respiratory cycles, with CSF flow being driven by arterial pulsation and intracranial pressure variations. Recognition of this artifact is crucial to avoid misinterpretation as inflammatory changes or other pathological processes.
Usage
Usage note: Spell out 'cerebrospinal fluid' in formal reports; CSF acceptable in technical contexts.
In Context
- "The apparent signal abnormality in the fourth ventricle was attributed to cerebrospinal fluid flow artifact rather than pathology." — Diagnostic interpretation
- "Cardiac gating can help reduce cerebrospinal fluid flow artifact in high-resolution sequences." — Technical protocol