[Quantitative volumetric determinations on MR tomograms in communicating hydrocephalus]

For patients with communicating hydrocephalus the implantation of a cardioventricular shunt is mostly an approved therapy. However, indications are frequently problematic and therefore a shunt operation will not be always successful. The proof of periventricular oedemas in addition to clinical signs seems to be a criterion for an indication for implantation and for the selection of a special valve. With the aid of a newly developed computer programme volume estimation of the ventricular system and the periventricular oedemas has been effected for six patients on T2-weighted MR-tomograms (1.5 tesla). Quotients of the different volumes are correlated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure obtained during shunt implantation or lumbar measurement. Distinct indications have been found for a correlation between the volume of the periventricular oedemas and the pressure measurements.