Overview of post-infective hydrocephalus

Childs Nerv Syst. 2011 Oct;27(10):1693-8. doi: 10.1007/s00381-011-1557-z. Epub 2011 Sep 17.

Abstract

Introduction: Post-infective hydrocephalus refers to accumulation of fluid within the cranial cavity (hydrocephalus) secondary to either pyogenic or tuberculous meningitis. Whereas in the former condition, fibrous adhesions develop in the ventricles and arachnoid villi, in the latter, the fibrosis is mainly basal.

Methods: This is a review of the author's personal series as well as published literature on post-infective hydrocephalus.

Conclusion: The aim of treatment in hydrocephalus following pyogenic meningitis is to sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and then to drain the ventricles after conversion of a multiloculated cavity into a single cavity. In hydrocephalus associated with tuberculous meningitis, CSF diversion is not always necessary and should be reserved for cases where clinical deterioration occurs pari passu with increase in ventricular size and intraventricular pressure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Ventricles / surgery
  • Drainage / methods
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnosis
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology*
  • Hydrocephalus / microbiology*
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / classification
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
  • Ventriculostomy / methods