This study investigated the effects of flip angle setting in 3D balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) imaging on CSF-parenchyma contrast and section aliasing artifacts. Theoretical derivations indicated that the extent of section aliasing artifacts decreased as the flip angle was lowered, at the expense of a sacrifice in CSF-parenchyma contrast. Experimental data agreed closely with theoretical predictions. A flip angle of about 40 degrees is therefore recommended for 3D balanced SSFP MR ventriculocisternography.