Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
11:12

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves

Published on: October 17, 2013

13.9K

Incidental and Clinical Significance of Slit Ventricles in Fixed Pressure Valves

Khalid T Alghamdi1, Mohammed D Alghamdi2, Sultan Neazy3

  • 1College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Jeddah, SAU.

Cureus
|December 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Slit ventricle syndrome (SVS) rates are low in children treated with fixed-pressure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts. Most cases are managed conservatively, with some patients showing spontaneous improvement.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Hydrocephalus Management
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting

Background:

  • Slit ventricle syndrome (SVS) is a known complication of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting in children.
  • Historically linked to low-pressure shunts, SVS has prompted discussions on using programmable valves.
  • This study investigates SVS incidence in pediatric patients shunted with fixed-pressure valves.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the rate of SVS in children who received CSF shunts with fixed-pressure valves.
  • To evaluate the clinical presentation and management of SVS in this cohort.
  • To assess the long-term outcomes and potential for spontaneous resolution of SVS.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah.
  • 100 pediatric patients shunted with fixed-pressure valves between 2010 and 2018 were analyzed.
  • SVS was defined by slit-like ventricles (F-O horns ratio ≤ 0.2) and related symptoms, excluding other shunt malfunctions.

Main Results:

  • The overall SVS rate was 6%, with 9 children exhibiting slit-like ventricles, 6 of whom were symptomatic.
  • Higher SVS rates were observed in younger males, obstructive hydrocephalus, and medium-pressure valves.
  • 26% of patients without slit-like ventricles reported related symptoms; 42 patients had shunt revisions for other reasons.

Conclusions:

  • Fixed-pressure CSF valves are associated with a low SVS rate in children, manageable conservatively.
  • Not all patients with slit-like ventricles are symptomatic, and radiological findings may resolve spontaneously.
  • Fixed-pressure valves remain a viable option for pediatric hydrocephalus treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
fixed pressure valvehydrocephalushydrocephalus managementslit ventricular syndrome (svs)slit-like ventricle

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery04:48

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery

Published on: November 28, 2018

8.0K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiac Procedure Testing Prior to Embarking on Large Animal Studies06:56

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiac Procedure Testing Prior to Embarking on Large Animal Studies

Published on: August 25, 2023

1.0K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Valves01:16

Heart Valves

The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
5.4K
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
25
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
31
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
28
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
24
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
46