Hydrocephalus – increased CSF volume with ventricular dilation

• Normal route of CSF: produced in lateral ventricles, flows to the 3^rd ventricle, through the cerebral aqueduct to the 4^th ventricle, out the foramina of Lushka and Magendi, reabsorbed by the arachnoid granulations

• Non-communicating: obstruction within ventricular system (e.g., tumor)

• Communicating

  • Not due to obstruction of ventricular system

  • Examples

    • With post-viral meningitis, the granulations may be come fibrotic and might not absorb CSF as well

    • Foramina of Lushka or Magendi may be obstructed if a meningitis becomes fibrotic

    • Tumor of choroid plexus that over-secretes CSF

• Hydrocephalis ex vacuo: ventricular dilation due to cerebral atrophy

• Anterior horns of the lateral ventricles will be blunted (should come to a sharp point)

Category: Medical Subject Notes , Pathology Notes