The presence of pachymeningeal hyperintensity on non-contrast flair imaging in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Purpose: Traditionally, in the work-up of patients for spontaneous intracranial hypotension, T1 post-contrast imaging is performed in order to assess for pachymeningeal enhancement. The aim of this study is to assess whether pachymeningeal hyperintensity can be identified on a non-contrast FLAIR sequence in these patients as a surrogate sign for pachymeningeal enhancement.

Methods: The patient cohort was identified from a prospectively maintained database of patients with a clinical diagnosis of intracranial hypotension. Patients who had both a post-contrast T1 sequence brain as well as non-contrast FLAR sequence of the brain were reviewed. Imaging was retrospectively reviewed by three independent neuroradiologists. Each study was assessed for the presence or absence of pachymeningeal hyperintensity on the FLAIR sequence.

Results: From January 2010 to July 2022, 177 patients were diagnosed with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. In total, 121 were excluded as post-contrast imaging was not performed during their work-up. Twenty-four were excluded as the FLAIR sequence was performed after administration of contrast. Six were excluded as there was no pachymeningeal thickening present on T1 post-contrast imaging, although there were other signs of intracranial hypotension. The study group therefore consisted of 26 patients. Pachymeningeal thickening was correctly identified on the non-contrast FLAIR sequence in all patients (100%).

Conclusion: Where present, diffuse pachymeningeal hyperintensity can be accurately identified on a non-contrast FLAIR sequence in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. This potentially obviates the need for gadolinium base contrast agents in the work-up of these patients.