A Comparison of Computed Tomography and Air Ventriculography in Diagnosis of Progressive Hydrocephalus of Infancy

Abstract

We have compared the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) and air ventriculography (VGM) in the diagnostic evaluation of progressive nontumoral infant hydrocephalus where both examinations have been done without significant intervening time or treatment in infants under 12 months of age. CT alone was judged to be adequate for diagnosis and treatment in 21 of 30 cases reviewed, provided that cerebrospinal fluid studies were available to complete diagnosis where necessary, and provided that the question of ventriculocisternal communication was not a factor in treatment selection. The ability to visualize cerebral aqueduct and 4th ventricle on CT was not always a reliable indicator of ventriculocisternal communication. CT was most adequate as the sole radiographic study in cases of myelodysplasia with Arnold-Chiari malformation, and in premature infants with intraventricular hemorrhage.