Radiological diagnosis of hydrocephalus

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is one complex disease that can develop from various etiology caused by either obstructive diseases or excessive CSF production. The term more frequently used nowadays is an obstruction in the ventricular system (obstructive or noncommunicating type) or alternation in CSF absorption or flow (communicating type) (Greitz, Neurosurg Rev 27:145-165, 2004). There are several independent theories that emphasize on the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus. One of which is known as hyperdynamic flow theory which is divided into two main categories, the acute form of hydrocephalus that is caused by a CSF obstruction in the ventricles and the chronic form of hydrocephalus that is also divided into communicating and chronic obstructive type, which is a result of decreased intracranial compliance, therefore causing restricted arterial pulsation and increased capillary pulsations (Greitz, Neurosurg Rev 27:145-165, 2004; Nöroradyoloji manyetik rezonans uygulamalari, Ankara, 80-95, 2006). The radiological methods play a major role in diagnosis of hydrocephalus. The conventional imaging like ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help in the assessment of ventricular enlargement with detection of the causes as well.