We report four patients with various types of hydrocephalus in whom constructive interference in steady state (CISS) MRI disclosed the cause of the hydrocephalus. The imaging clearly delineated an abnormal contour of the ventricular system and intraventricular septa, essential information for surgical planning, including endoscopic surgery. Postoperative CISS images were useful for showing not only regression of hydrocephalus but also the patency of small fenestrations.