Epidemiology

Etiology

Noncommunicating hydrocephalus (obstructive hydrocephalus)

Obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct of Sylvius, the lateral foramen of Luschka, or the median foramen of Magendie results in obstructed passage of CSF from the ventricles to the subarachnoidal space. See Brain anatomy#Ventricular system

• Congenital: Noncommunicating hydrocephalus is the most common form of congenital hydrocephalus.
  • Arnold-Chiari malformation
  • Dandy-Walker malformation: congenital malformation caused by failure of the fourth ventricle to close, which leads to persistence of Blake's pouch (cyst in the 4th ventricle) and cerebellar vermis hypoplasia
    • Causes a variety of neurologic abnormalities (e.g., ataxic gait) and noncommunicating hydrocephalus
    • Associated with a variety of extracranial abnormalities (e.g., craniofacial abnormalities, cardiac defects, spina bifida)
  • Intrauterine infections: e.g., congenital toxoplasmosis (see Congenital TORCH infections)
  • Colloid cyst obstructing the interventricular foramen
  • Congenital stenosis of the cerebral aqueduct of Sylvius
• Acquired
  • Brain tumor (especially medulloblastomas, pinealoma, ependymomas, and astrocytomas)

Pathophysiology

Clinical features

Diagnostics

Treatment

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