Neurological imaging

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is an active distension of the ventricular system of the brain resulting from inadequate passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from its point of production within the cerebral ventricles to its point of absorption into the systemic circulation. This leads to a net increase of CSF in the cranial cavity and to an increase in the size of the ventricle. It can be originated during the development, with genetic or acquired origins. When there is blockage within the ventricular system, hydrocephalus is called obstructive or non-communicating. In children with hydrocephalus, enlarged ventricles are associated with compression of cortical areas and correlated with cognitive impairment. However, in fetuses with moderate communicating hydrocephalus, the germinal neuroepithelium has been shown to be altered and has also been associated with an abnormal migration of neuroblasts.