The word “communicating” refers to the fact that CSF can still flow between the ventricles, which remain open. Non-communicating hydrocephalus – also called obstructive hydrocephalus – occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles.

What is obstructive hydrocephalus mean?

Obstructive hydrocephalus is also known as non-communicating hydrocephalus. Here there’s a blockage that prevents the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between certain structures (ventricles) in the brain.

What are the two types of hydrocephalus?

The two major types of hydrocephalus are called communicating hydrocephalus and non-communicating hydrocephalus.

• Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles.
• Congenital hydrocephalus.
• Acquired hydrocephalus.

What does hydrocephalus look like on CT scan?

CT/MRI criteria for acute hydrocephalus include the following: Size of both temporal horns is greater than 2 mm, clearly visible. In the absence of hydrocephalus, the temporal horns should be barely visible.

Can obstructive hydrocephalus be cured?

Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled, but usually not cured. With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations.

How is obstructive hydrocephalus treated?

The word hydrocephalus translates to “water on the brain,” but the condition is caused by a variety of disorders and disease states, thus making it complex to define and diagnose. Most CSF is produced by the choroid plexus in the third and fourth ventricles in the brain.

What is the survival rate of hydrocephalus?

Survival in untreated hydrocephalus is poor. Approximately, 50% of the affected patients die before three years of age and approximately 80% die before reaching adulthood. Treatment markedly improves the outcome for hydrocephalus not associated with tumors, with 89% and 95% survival in two case studies.

Can hydrocephalus be treated with medication?

There is little use for medication in hydrocephalus. In some acquired cases, as with tumors and infections, resolving the underlying condition will resolve the hydrocephalus, but most patients still require surgical intervention.

What is the clinical presentation of obstructive hydrocephalus?

Clinical presentation. In acute obstructive hydrocephalus, as is the case with a colloid cyst obstructing the foramina of Monro, a sudden increase in intraventricular pressure can lead to rapid loss of consciousness and even death. In other patients where the obstruction is incomplete or gradual (e.g.

What is arachnoid cyst on CT scan?

Arachnoid cyst. On imaging, they are characterized as well circumscribed cysts, with an imperceptible wall, displacing adjacent structures, and following the CSF pattern (hypodense on CT and hyperintense on T2 with FLAIR suppression on MRI). They can also have a remodelling effect on the adjacent bone.

What are the treatment options for Noncommunicating hydrocephalus?

Unlike many cases of obstructive noncommunicating hydrocephalus, where an endoscopic third ventriculostomy can bypass the site of obstruction, in communicating hydrocephalus patients usually require CSF shunting, most commonly with a VP shunt. 1. Brant WE, Helms CA. Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology.

What is communicational hydrocephalus?

Communicating hydrocephalus is a type of hydrocephalus where CSF is able to leave the ventricular system.