Imaging examinations in children with hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is characterized by an imbalance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formation and absorption. It is manifested as a dilatation of the ventricular system. About 55% of all hydrocephalus cases have congenital origin. There are two types of hydrocephalus: communicating and non-communicating with subarachnoid space and the diagnosis depends on the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. The treatment is different for each type of the hydrocephalus. Causes and symptoms of hydrocephalus are changing with the patient's age. Before the age of two we can observe progressive enlargement of the head and widened anterior fontanel. Ophthalmological examination reveals optic nerves atrophy. Children older than two years with hydrocephalus and obliterated anterior fontanel have normal head circumference. They may often present clinical symptoms such as the atrophy of optic nerves and papilloedema of optic disc. The most common reason of hydrocepahalus in children before two years of age is intraventricular haemorrhage in the perinatal period whereas in children older than two years is inflammatory process. Imaging examinations are needed not only to diagnose hydrocephalus but also to assess enlargement of the ventricular system during the therapy.