Objective:

To develop a reproducible workflow for generating patient-specific 3D models and animations that illustrate venous sinus stenosis (VSS) pathophysiology in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) to support clinical decision making and interventional planning. 

Background:

IIH is often associated with stenosis along the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction. The dynamic pathophysiology of these venous stenoses is complex and challenging to convey through static imaging alone. This limits clinicians’ ability to visualize flow dynamics and pressure effects. 

Design/Methods:

High-resolution brain MRIs from four patients presenting with headaches and venous sinus abnormalities were segmented in Materialize Mimics™ to reconstruct the cerebral venous system, primarily using BRAVO or MPRAGE sequences. Two patients with IIH and left transverse–sigmoid stenosis had undergone left-sided stenting prior to model generation, with one scheduled for future right-sided stenting. Two additional patients exhibited right or bilateral mild-to-moderate stenosis without endovascular intervention at the time of model generation. Segmented models were validated by a neuro-interventionalist for anatomic fidelity and animated in Blender™ to depict venous outflow obstruction and its potential impact on intracranial pressure.

Results:

All four animations represented patient specific venous anatomy and varying degrees of stenosis. Preliminary feedback from the collaborating neuro-interventionalist indicated that the animation effectively communicates the underlying pathophysiology and holds promise as a tool for clinical decision making, patient communication, and interventional planning.  

Conclusions:

Patient-specific animations derived from MRI data offer a novel means of visualizing the dynamic hemodynamics of IIH-related venous stenosis. Ongoing work includes expanding the clinician cohort and systematically surveying users to assess improvements in diagnostic clarity, patient communication, and confidence in the intra-operative approach.