We created 3D printed patient-specific cerebral venous flow models of a patient with pulsatile tinnitus (PT) caused by idiopathic intracranial hypertension whose PT was resolved by CSF removal via lumbar puncture (LP). Prior to and almost immediately after the LP, she underwent MR imaging consisting of anatomic and flow evaluation sequences. Benchtop flow models were generated from both the pre and post LP data sets. We performed sound measurements and flow analysis of these models to identify flow features that correlate with sound production. Very similar features were seen both in vitro and in vivo in the pre-LP (PT) state that were absent in the post-LP (no PT) state. Patient-specific flow models may be an appropriate in vitro surrogate for venous causes of PT that could enable concrete determination of the links between geometry, blood flow, and PT.
This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.