[Status of the ventricular system and dynamics of the cerebrospinal fluid changes in chronic brain diseases]

Using noninvasive (echoventriculometry (Echo-VM), REG and invasive (planimetric PEG, graphic recording of the CSF pressure) methods of examination, the authors determined the size of cerebral ventricles and the status of the cerebral hemo- and CSF dynamics in 606 patients with various chronic diseases of the brain (consequences of craniocerebral injury, epilepsy, discirculatory encephalopathy, etc.). According to PEG and Echo-VM findings, two groups of patients were distinguished. In moderate dilatation of cerebral ventricles the most significant finding was an increase in the pulse pressure of the CSF, whereas its mean pressure was normal or slightly elevated. In patients with pronounced hydrocephaly the pulse and mean pressure of the CSF tended to decrease. The progress of hydrocephaly was parallelled by increasing disorders of the cerebral hemodynamics expressed in hindered venous outflow from the cranial cavity and elevated peripheral vascular resistance. Four CSF-related syndromes have been identified (normotension, total CSF hypertension, intraventricular tension, total CSF hypotension) differing in their diagnostic and prognostic significance and in the pathogenesis of disorders of the hemo- and CSF dynamics.