Ventricular opacification after intravascular injections of contrast material

The cerebral ventricles of two neonates were demonstrated on CT scans and plain radiographs after the intra-arterial injection of contrast material. Leakage of contrast material into the ventricles after intravenous injection probably indicates damage of the blood-brain barrier. Breakdown of this barrier results only from severe and prolonged anoxia because cerebral vessels are much more resistant to anoxia than neuronal tissues. The authors have not observed ventricular opacification in adults.