Post-Shunt Isolated Compartments in Hydrocephalus: Proposal for a New Classification and Experimental Proof of the Pathophysiology

Abstract

The clinical features and pathophysiology of specific forms of post-shunt isolated compartments were analyzed. The possible pathogenesis of the individual clinical entity was discussed on the basis of various experimental studies, which included morphological evaluation and pressure monitoring in a canine slit-ventricle model a silicon ventricular system simulation model for post-shunt ICP dynamics analysis, and so forth. a clinically applicable classification was used to evaluate the progression of hydrocephalus (Stage I-IV), and to define the compartment isolation after shunting in previously communicating cerebral ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord (Type I-IV). The present study also indicates that the pathophysiology of hydromyelia is closely related to the associated hydrocephalus in some cases. a new concept of the development os an isolated compartment after shunting is proposed to explain the progression of hydromyelia in these cases (hydromyelic hydrocephalus).