Intrauterine development of posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Differential diagnosis of intrauterine hydrocephalus includes various types of cerebral malformations. In about 30% of cases the pathogenesis remains unknown. During 1983-1985 we diagnosed intrauterine posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus (IPHH) in four newborns. In three of the reported cases intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) could already be proven in the fetus. Due to these observations, IPHH has to be considered with the differential diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus. Haemorrhagic diathesis and multiple pregnancy are discussed as possible risk factors for this severe fetal complication.