Automated segmentation of MR imaging to determine normative central nervous system cerebrospinal fluid volumes in healthy volunteers

An accurate non-invasive method to determine total body cerebrospinal fluid volume has a number of potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Herein we describe a technique for automated segmentation of total body MRI data to determine cranial and spinal CSF volume in 15 healthy adults. These in vivo estimates of CSF volume exceed the standard reported volume of 150 mL in human adults and provide normative data for diagnosis of disease states such as hydrocephalus and therapy including pharmacologic dosimetry. No correlation was observed between patient height or weight and total body CSF volume.