Positive ventriculography using water-soluble contrast media in infants with myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus

Ventriculography with meglumine iocarmate (Dimer X) or Metrizamide (Amipaque was carried out in 15 infants with myelomeningocele and progressive hydrocephalus. In all cases, an Anold-Chiari-Malformation type II was diagnosed with compression of the structures of the posterior cranial cavity and their displacement within or below the level of the foramen magnum. The aqueduct was always patent but laterally compressed. In the region of the third ventricle there was often encountered an enlargement of the massa intermedia with indentation of the lamina terminalis and enlargement of the recessus suprapinealis. Aspects of pathogenesis of the malformation and possible causes of hydrocephalus originating from these findings are discussed. Methods and advantages of positive ventriculography using water-soluble media are presented.