Three dimensional (3D) T1W, Axial, coronal, sagittal imaging is excellent for differentiation between gray matter and white matter acquisition of high-resolution anatomic information.T2W, Axial and coronal imaging for acquisition of high-resolution anatomic information; delineation of cortex, white matter, and gray matter nuclei. Diffusion tensor, axial imaging is used for evaluation of white matter microstructural integrity, identification of white matter tracts. CISS, axial + MPR imaging for evaluation of cerebellar folia, cranial nerves, ventricles, and foramina. Susceptibility weighted axial scan for Identification and characterization of hemorrhage, blood products, calcification, and iron accumulation.

The prognosis of this developmental disorder is highly based on the underlying disorder. Cerebellar hypoplasia may be progressive or static in nature. Some cerebellar hypoplasia resulting from congenital brain abnormalities/malformations are not progressive. Progressive cerebellar hypoplasia is known for having poor prognosis, but in cases where this disorder is static, prognosis is better.

MRI is considered the best method of detecting aqueductal stensosis because it can visualize the entire length of the aqueduct, can clearly depict tumors, and can show ventricle enlargement or other deformations. It is helpful in determining the extent of the aqueductal obstruction, particularly when multiple masses or lesions are present, and thereby aids in determining the most appropriate treatment method (i.e. surgery, shunt, or ETV). When constructive interference in steady state (CISS) or fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) sequence are used, subtle abnormalities or partial obstructions in the aqueduct can be depicted in the MRI. For example, CISS can be used to determine if a thin membrane interfering with CSF flow is present.

CT scans are used to visualize the structure of the inside of the body without needing to make any incision. For the purposes of diagnosis aqueductal stenosis, a scan is performed on a patient's brain. Images showing an enlarged third ventricle along with a normally sized fourth ventricle (in a lateral view) is generally considered to be an indication of aqueductal stenosis, but this is still only presumption. CT scans are typically used after a shunt treatment in order to analyze ventricle size and determine if the device is working. One complication associated with this analysis (as well as when analyzed by MRI) is that images of a small ventricle do not always correspond with a functioning shunt as a small ventricle would seem to imply. The reduced ventricle size can sometimes be due to a condition called slit ventricle syndrome. Another complication is that if the stenosis is caused by tumor compression, there is a possibility that the scan will miss detecting small brainstem tumors.