Final answer:
The imaging technique used to suppress CSF and diagnose periventricular diseases is Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR). It is an MRI sequence beneficial for detecting lesions in the brain or spinal cord. CSF analysis is crucial for diagnosing various CNS conditions and FLAIR enhances the visibility of these conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The imaging technique used to suppress Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) for diagnosing periventricular diseases and infarct lesions in the spinal cord is termed Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR). FLAIR is an MRI sequence that is particularly sensitive to changes in water content and is used to create images in which the fluid appears dark, making it easier to see the surrounding brain or spinal cord tissue. This is especially useful for identifying lesions adjacent to areas that normally contain CSF, such as the periventricular regions.
CSF plays a vital role in diagnosing various neurological conditions. Through procedures like lumbar punctures and CSF analysis, clinicians can detect infections, hemorrhage, or inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis. The choroid plexus contains ependymal cells that filter blood to produce CSF, which circulates in the ventricles and subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord, providing a cushion and clearing waste.
Meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges surrounding the CNS, can be diagnosed based on CSF analysis. A shunt may be inserted to treat conditions like hydrocephalus, where excess CSF is drained from the brain to another part of the body. These medical interventions highlight the importance of CSF in central nervous system pathologies.