Hydrocephalus

Question 0

Where is CSF reabsorbed back into the circulation?

Answer 0

Arachnoid granulations

Question 1

What is the structure of the ventricular system?

Answer 1

Lateral ventricles via foramen of Monroe to 3rd ventricle via cerebral aqueduct to 4th ventricle via foramina of luschka and magendie to sub arach space

Question 2

What are the types of hydrocephalus?

Answer 2

Obstructive - Obstruction to flow of CSF within ventricular system

Communicating - Obstruction to CSF flow outside ventricular system

Question 3

What is Dandy-Walker syndrome?

Answer 3

Atresia of foramina of Magendie and Lushka

Question 4

What does lateral and 3rd ventricular dilatation with a normal 4th ventricle on a CT scan suggest?

Answer 4

Hydrocephalus with stenosis at cerebral aqueduct

Question 5

What does lateral and 3rd ventricular dilatation with a deviated or absent 4th ventricle on a CT scan suggest?

Answer 5

Hydrocephalus with a posterior fossa mass

Question 6

What does generalised dilatation of ventricles on a CT scan suggest?

Answer 6

Obstructive hydrocephalus with obstruction at 4th ventricle outlet

OR

Communicating hydrocephalus

Question 7

What does periventricular lucency on a CT scan suggest?

Answer 7

Raised CSF pressure

Question 8

What actions can be taken if a patient with hydrocephalus is acutely deteriorating?

Answer 8

• Ventricular drainage (EVD)
• VP shunt
• 3rd ventriculostomy (if triventricular obstructive hydrocephalus)
• LP (if communicating hydrocephalus)