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Macrocephaly, increased intracranial pressure, and hydrocephalus in the infant and young child

Alexandra T Vertinsky1, Patrick D Barnes

  • 1Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.

Topics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging : TMRI
|July 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Imaging is crucial for diagnosing and managing macrocephaly, increased intracranial pressure, and hydrocephalus in infants and children. This review covers common causes, imaging guidelines, and shunt malfunction detection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Macrocephaly, increased intracranial pressure, and hydrocephalus are common in infants and young children.
  • Cross-sectional imaging is essential for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of common causes of pediatric hydrocephalus.
  • To outline imaging guidelines for evaluation and follow-up.
  • To discuss imaging features of shunt malfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common causes of hydrocephalus including posthemorrhage, postinfection, developmental malformations, and masses.
  • Outline of imaging guidelines for initial evaluation and follow-up.
  • Discussion of imaging features associated with shunt malfunction.

Main Results:

  • Imaging is central to diagnosis, guiding patient disposition and treatment.
  • Common causes of hydrocephalus are identified and discussed.
  • Imaging features of shunt malfunction are presented.

Conclusions:

  • Diagnostic imaging is vital for infants and children with macrocephaly, increased intracranial pressure, and hydrocephalus.
  • Adherence to imaging guidelines aids in effective management.
  • Recognizing shunt malfunction on imaging is critical for timely intervention.

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