Introduction: 3-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers high resolution imaging with improved signal quality. It also allows for improved functional investigations, most prominently with respect to fiber tracts and their relation to pathological lesions. Up to now, patients with adjustable shunt systems were not eligible for high field power magnetic resonance imaging. We have evaluated the effects of this technique upon a newly developed adjustable shunt valve.
Method: Ten adjustable shunt devices were examined during routine and functional 3-T high field MRI examinations. Pressure settings were checked after 17 examinations each for all valves. There were no changes in pressure setting at all possible levels in any of the tested devices. No problems with the adjusting mechanism were observed during 340 examinations.
Conclusion: This new shunt device offers the diagnostic benefit of high field magnetic resonance imaging in shunt-dependent patients who need an adjustable valve. The valve is not affected by higher magnetic field power and does not require readjustment of the pressure settings after MRI examination.