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Elevated cortical venous pressure in hydrocephalus
M E Castro1, H D Portnoy, J Maesaka
1Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan.
Neurosurgery
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Elevated cortical vein pressure in hydrocephalic dogs suggests a role in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) buildup. This indicates CSF absorption may occur via transcapillary or transvenular routes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is characterized by increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.
- The relationship between CSF hydrodynamics and the cerebrovascular system is not fully understood.
- Cortical vein (CV) pressure has not been previously measured in hydrocephalus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CSF hydrodynamics in normal and hydrocephalic dogs.
- To determine transmantle and transparenchymal pressures.
- To explore the role of cerebrovascular pressure in hydrocephalus.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of transmantle and transparenchymal pressures in normal and hydrocephalic dogs.
- Pressure monitoring in lateral ventricles (LV), subarachnoid space, cisterna magna, sagittal sinus, and femoral artery.
- Ventricular volume assessment using computed tomography.
Main Results:
- Hydrocephalic dogs showed significantly increased LV volume (5.1 vs 1.3 ml).
- Elevated pressures were observed in the LV, subarachnoid space, and sagittal sinus of hydrocephalic dogs.
- Cortical vein (CV) pressure was markedly elevated in hydrocephalic animals (21.5 vs 11.7 mm Hg).
Conclusions:
- Elevated CV pressure may contribute to the development and maintenance of hydrocephalus.
- The study suggests transcapillary or transvenular absorption as a pathway for CSF.
- Understanding these pressures is crucial for hydrocephalus research and treatment.