Hydrocephalus
Definition
Increased CSF volume and dilation of cerebral ventricles.
Classification
Obstructive Hydrocephalus
Due to obstruction of CSF flow out of cerebral ventricles. Sometimes termed “non-communicating” hydrocephalus (CSF does not communicate with subarachnoid space).
Obstruction may occur at foramen of Monro, third ventricle, aqueduct of Sylvius, fourth ventricle, foramina of Luschka and Magendie.
Congenital Malformations and Developmental Lesions
Incidence 0.5 to 1.8/1,000 births.
Nongenetic causes: intrauterine infection, intracranial hemorrhage due to birth trauma or prematurity, meningitis.
Genetic causes: X-linked hydrocephalus, Dandy-Walker syndrome, Arnold-Chiari malformation. Etiology of congenital aqueductal stenosis unclear.
Post-Inflammatory or Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus
Obstruction of CSF flow by clot in ventricular system or arachnoiditis. Transient or permanent.
Major sequel of intracranial hemorrhage (intraventricular, intraparenchymal, subarachnoid). May follow meningitis, especially at base of brain (syphilis, tuberculosis).
Mass Lesions
Intracranial neoplasms (progressive hydrocephalus); intraparenchymal cerebral or cerebellar hematoma, infarction (acute hydrocephalus).
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