Hydrocephalus, Tools for Diagnosis and Treatment of

摘要: Hydrocephalus refers to a condition, where there is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in and around the brain (Gk hudro water, kephalē head). It was first recognized by Hippocrates Galen, its pathology described Vesalius sixteenth century. Modern understanding hydrocephalus began with Dandy Blackfan (1), who obstructed CSF outflow pathway from lateral third ventricles dogs thereby causing enlargement these spaces. now accepted that formed choroids plexus located circulates through several pathways into subarachnoid it being reabsorbed, mainly venous sinuses, possibly nasal mucosal lymphatics cribriform plate (2). Either obstruction circulation or impairment absorption can result accumulation enlarged These types are termed obstructive communicating, respectively. Cross-sectional imaging, computational X-ray tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), effective means for visualization spaces commonly used diagnosis hydrocephalus. MRI often identify cause location obstruction, due superior soft tissue capabilities. More recently, motion-sensitive techniques visualize flow different between cranium spinal canal characterize hemodynamics hydrodynamics craniospinal system. Assessment done via invasive dynamic measurements pressure during infusion fluids The most common surgical treatment diversion intracranial compartment insertion valve-regulated shunt (3, 4) This performed 1950s Nulsen Spitz 5) Pudenz (4). Regardless advances shunting technology, techniques, this associated high failure rate. Another treatment, endoscopic ventriculostomy, create artificial ventricle space, bypassing aqueduct Sylvius fourth ventricle. Keywords: hydrocephalus; diagnosis; imaging; treatment; ventriculostomy