Dilatation of the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles in a newborn. Let's figure it out, is dilatation a dangerous pathology? Diagnostics and research

The ventricles of the brain are considered an anatomically important structure. They are presented in the form of peculiar voids, lined with ependyma and communicating with each other. During development, the neural tube is formed brain bubbles, which are subsequently transformed into the ventricular system.

Tasks

The main function performed by the ventricles of the brain is the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. It provides protection to the main parts of the nervous system from various mechanical damage, maintaining normal level Cerebrospinal fluid takes part in the delivery nutrients to neurons from circulating blood.

Structure

All ventricles of the brain have special choroid plexuses. They produce liquor. The ventricles of the brain are connected to each other by the subarachnoid space. Thanks to this, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid occurs. First, from the lateral ones it penetrates into the 3rd ventricle of the brain, and then into the fourth. At the final stage of circulation, there is an outflow of cerebrospinal fluid into venous sinuses through granulation into arachnoid membrane. All parts of the ventricular system communicate with each other using channels and openings.

Kinds

The lateral sections of the system are located in cerebral hemispheres. Each lateral ventricle of the brain communicates with the cavity of the third through a special foramen of Monroe. The third section is located in the center. Its walls form the hypothalamus and thalamus. The third and fourth ventricles are connected to each other through a long canal. It is called Sylvian Passage. Through it circulation is carried out cerebrospinal fluid between the spinal cord and brain.

Lateral divisions

Conventionally, they are called the first and second. Each lateral ventricle of the brain includes three horns and a central section. The latter is located in parietal lobe. The anterior horn is located in the frontal, the lower - in the temporal, and the posterior - in the occipital zone. In their perimeter there is a choroid plexus, which is distributed quite unevenly. So, for example, it is absent in the posterior and anterior horns. The choroid plexus begins directly in the central zone, gradually descending into the lower horn. It is in this area that the size of the plexus reaches its maximum value. For that this area called a ball. Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain is caused by a disturbance in the stroma of the tangles. This area is also often subject to changes. degenerative nature. This kind of pathology is quite easily detected on ordinary radiographs and carries a special diagnostic value.

Third cavity of the system

This ventricle is located in diencephalon. It connects the lateral sections with the fourth. As in other ventricles, the third contains choroid plexuses. They are distributed along its roof. The ventricle is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. In this department, the hypothalamic groove is of particular importance. Anatomically, it is the border between the visual thalamus and the subtubercular region. The third and fourth ventricles of the brain are connected by the aqueduct of Sylvius. This element is considered one of important components midbrain.

Fourth cavity

This section is located between the pons, cerebellum and medulla oblongata. The shape of the cavity is similar to a pyramid. The floor of the ventricle is called the rhomboid fossa. This is due to the fact that anatomically it is a depression that looks like a diamond. It is lined with gray matter with a large number tubercles and depressions. The roof of the cavity is formed by the lower and upper brain sails. It seems to hang over the hole. The choroid plexus is relatively autonomous. It includes two lateral and medial sections. The choroid plexus is attached to the lateral lower surfaces cavity, spreading to its lateral inversions. Through the medial foramen of Magendie and the symmetrical lateral foramina of Luschka, the ventricular system communicates with the subarachnoid and subarachnoid spaces.

Changes in structure

Negative on activity nervous system affects the expansion of the ventricles of the brain. Their condition can be assessed using diagnostic methods. So, for example, in the process computed tomography it is revealed whether the ventricles of the brain are enlarged or not. also in diagnostic purposes MRI is also used. Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain or other disorders may be caused by for various reasons. Among the most popular provoking factors, experts call advanced education cerebrospinal fluid. This phenomenon accompanies inflammation in the choroid plexus or papilloma. Asymmetry of the ventricles of the brain or changes in the size of the cavities may be a consequence of impaired outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. This happens when the holes of Luschka and Magendie become impassable due to inflammation in the membranes - meningitis. The cause of obstruction may also be metabolic reactions due to venous thrombosis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Often, asymmetry of the ventricles of the brain is detected in the presence of space-occupying neoplasms in the cranial cavity. This could be an abscess, hematoma, cyst or tumor.

General mechanism for the development of disturbances in the activity of cavities

At the first stage, there is difficulty in the outflow of cerebral fluid into the subarachnoid space from the ventricles. This provokes expansion of the cavities. At the same time, compression of the surrounding tissue occurs. Due to the primary blockage of fluid outflow, a number of complications arise. One of the main ones is the occurrence of hydrocephalus. Patients complain of sudden headaches, nausea, and in some cases vomiting. Violations are also detected vegetative functions. The above symptoms are caused by an acute increase in pressure inside the ventricles, which is characteristic of some pathologies of the liquor-conducting system.

Cerebral fluid

The spinal cord, like the brain, is located inside bone elements in suspension. Both are washed with liquor from all sides. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in choroid plexuses all ventricles. The circulation of cerebrospinal fluid is carried out due to the connections between the cavities in the subarachnoid space. In children, it also passes through the central spinal canal (in adults, it becomes overgrown in some areas).

This article will be relevant for parents whose children have been diagnosed with ventricular enlargement

The ventricles are a system of anastomizing cavities that communicate with the canal spinal cord.

The human brain contains structures that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These structures are the largest in the ventricular system.

They can be divided into the following types:

• Lateral;
• Third;
• Fourth.

The lateral ventricles are designed to store cerebrospinal fluid. Compared to the third and fourth, they are the largest among them. By left side there is a ventricle, which can be called the first, according to right side- second. Both ventricles work with the third ventricle.

The ventricle, called the fourth, is one of the the most important formations. The fourth ventricle contains the spinal canal. It appears to be diamond-shaped.

• Decreased appetite, it often happens that the child refuses breastfeeding.
• Muscle tone is reduced.
• Tremors of the upper and lower extremities appear.
• A distinct manifestation of veins on the forehead, the cause is from the cranial cavity.
• Swallowing and grasping abilities are reduced.
• High likelihood of developing strabismus.
• Disproportionality of the head.
• Frequent regurgitation due to high blood pressure cerebrospinal fluid.

A characteristic sign of ventricular enlargement and the development of hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome (HHS) manifests itself in a headache that begins in the morning on the left or right. Often the baby feels sick and vomits.

The child often complains of the inability to raise his eyes and lower his head, dizziness and weakness appear, and the skin begins to turn pale.

Diagnostic methods

It is very difficult to determine whether a baby’s ventricle is enlarged. Diagnostics does not provide a 100% guarantee that the diagnosis can be determined, even using the latest methods.

Closing of the fontanelles occurs in, after which the change in the size of the cerebrospinal fluid is monitored.

TO the following types diagnostic activities include the following:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging. It identifies problems in soft tissue structures quite well.
2. The condition of the fundus is assessed for the presence of edema or hemorrhage.
3. Neurosonography. It is carried out to determine the size of the ventricles (both left and right).
4. Lumbar puncture.
5. CT scan.

The problem with diagnosing a newborn using MRI is that the baby needs to lie quietly for about 20-25 minutes. Since this task is almost impossible for a baby, doctors have to introduce the child into artificial sleep. At the same time, on this procedure are coming

Therefore, most often, computed tomography is used to diagnose the size of the ventricles of the brain. At the same time, the quality of diagnosis is slightly lower than using MRI.

A violation is considered if the ventricles have a norm different from 1 to 4 mm.

Treatment

Enlarged ventricles are not always a reason to sound the alarm. When the ventricles of the brain are enlarged, this may be a case of individual and physiological development baby's brain system. For example, for large babies this is the norm.

Also, in treatment of this disease will be ineffective: acupuncture, herbal treatment, homeopathy, vitamin therapy.

First of all, in the treatment of dilatation of the lateral ventricles in a child is to prevent the development possible complications The child has.

Possible consequences of HGS

The hypertensive-hydrocephalic condition often causes a number of serious complications, these include:

• Falling into a coma;
• Development of complete or partial blindness;
• Deafness;
• Death.

Enlarged ventricles in newborns, as a diagnosis, have a higher chance of favorable outcome than in older children, due to increased arterial and intracranial pressure, which returns to its normal state as it grows older.

The expansion of the lateral ventricles has adverse consequences and primarily depend on the cause of the development of HGS.

Video

Conclusion

Dilatation in newborns should not be considered an anomaly in the development of the baby. Rarely is it required serious help doctors. A complete and final diagnosis that will establish qualified specialist– neurologist, will reflect full picture diseases.

Therefore, observation and consultation with a specialist are necessary so that your child does not suffer any complications.

The lateral ventricles of the brain are cavities in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The lateral ventricles are the largest in the ventricular system of the brain.

The first is the left lateral ventricle, the second is the right.

The lateral ventricles communicate with the third ventricle through the interventricular (Monroy) foramina. They are located below the corpus callosum, symmetrically on the sides of the midline. In each lateral ventricle there is an anterior (frontal) horn, a body ( central part), posterior (occipital) and inferior (temporal) horns.

It is known that the volume of the lateral ventricles increases with age, as well as in many diseases (within hydrocephalus). Average lateral ventricles wider in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Causes of dilatation of the lateral ventricles.

Diagnostics. Dilation, or expansion of the lateral ventricles, occurs due to the production of a large amount of cerebrospinal fluid, as a result of which it does not have time to be excreted normally, or due to the occurrence of obstacles to the exit of the cerebrospinal fluid. This disease most often occurs in premature babies due to the fact that the size of their lateral ventricles is much larger than in children born at term.

When diagnosing hydrocephalus, the size of the lateral ventricles is determined by their quantitative and qualitative characteristics. For this there is sufficient quantity special techniques.

In this case, the immediate depth of the lateral ventricles is measured, as well as the size of the cavity of the transparent septum located in the third ventricle.

Normally, the depth of the ventricles ranges from 1 to 4 mm. When these indicators increase by more than 4 mm, as a result of which their lateral curvature disappears and the shape becomes rounded, they speak of the beginning of expansion of the lateral ventricles.

Dilatation of the lateral ventricles is not considered a pathology, but a symptom of some disease. It is this reason that specialists have to diagnose. Diseases in which dilatation of the lateral ventricles occurs.

Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid most often occurs as a result of a condition such as hydrocephalus. It is considered a fairly serious brain pathology. In this case, the process of cerebrospinal fluid absorption is disrupted, as a result of which it accumulates in the lateral ventricles, which leads to their dilatation.

Excess cerebrospinal fluid appears with lesions of the central nervous system. In this case, the ventricles dilate due to the slow release of cerebrospinal fluid.

Disruption of the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid occurs due to the occurrence of neoplasms in the form of tumors or cysts, as well as as a result of traumatic brain injuries, inflammatory processes and hemorrhages in the brain.

Common cause dilatation happens birth defect Sylvian aqueduct. It occurs in 30% of cases of hydrocephalus.

Also, the cause of hydrocephalus can be an aneurysm of the vein of Galen and a subdural hematoma of the posterior cranial fossa.

Arnold-Chiari syndrome causes communicating hydrocephalus. In this case, a shift occurs brain stem and cerebellum. This condition can also be caused by cytomegaly or toxoplasmosis.

Other causes of dilatation of the lateral ventricles.

Dilatation of the lateral ventricles can cause brain defects. At the same time, despite the fact that they do not affect the child’s health, observation by a specialist is still necessary.

Most often, dilatation of the lateral ventricles, not caused by serious diseases, does not lead to serious consequences. It can be a consequence of rickets, and also appear as a result of the specific structure of the skull. Dilatation and asymmetry of the lateral ventricles is detected by ultrasound examination of the brain.

If in doubt, a repeat ultrasound scan is scheduled after a certain period of time.

Dilation means widening. Why does enlargement of the lateral ventricles of the brain occur, what does it mean and how is it treated - these are the main questions that parents ask when they hear such a diagnosis.

Dilation of the lateral ventricles

The brain has cavities called ventricles. The ventricles produce cerebrospinal fluid, which is then excreted through special channels. Dilatation of the ventricles means that too much fluid is being produced and it does not have time to be eliminated, or there are obstacles in the way of its elimination.

Dilation of the lateral ventricles is not a disease itself, it is a symptom of the disease. What exactly is the disease that doctors have to find out.

Causes of cerebrospinal fluid accumulation

One such disease is hydrocephalus. This is a very serious brain disease. With hydrocephalus, a violation occurs in the process of absorption of cerebrospinal fluid, and it accumulates in the ventricles of the brain, which leads to dilatation of the ventricles of the brain.

When the nervous system is damaged, an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid is produced; it may not have time to be excreted and cause expansion of the ventricles of the brain.

Poor circulation of cerebrospinal fluid may be caused by volumetric formations: cysts, tumors. Obstacles to the normal absorption of cerebrospinal fluid can be traumatic brain injuries, hemorrhages, and inflammation.

This symptom may also be a brain defect. Brain defects may not affect the baby’s health in any way, but observation by a neurologist is necessary.

Quite often, the expansion of the lateral ventricles of the brain does not lead to any consequences, since it is not caused serious illness. This may be a specific shape of the skull or the consequences of rickets.

However, all these issues can only be resolved by doctors.

Video materials on the topic of the article

Functions of the lateral ventricles of the brain:

Brain structure:

Intracranial pressure:

What is “asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain”? First you need to understand what the ventricles of the human brain are.

The “ventricles of the brain” are a system of special anastomizing cavities that communicate with the subarachnoid space, as well as the canal of the human spinal cord. The ventricles contain what is called cerebrospinal fluid. The reverse surface of the walls of these ventricles is covered with ependyma.

Types of cerebral ventricles

As mentioned earlier, the lateral ventricles of the brain are certain containers in the brain, inside of which there is cerebrospinal fluid. These ventricles are the largest in the entire ventricular system. The ventricle on the left is usually called the first, and the one on the right is called the second. It is important to note that the lateral cerebral ventricles communicate with another (third) ventricle using the foramina of Monroe. They are located on both sides of the midline, below the corpus callosum, symmetrically. Each such ventricle has a posterior horn, an anterior horn, an inferior horn and a body.

The third cerebral ventricle is located between the visual thalamus. This ventricle has a ring shape, because visual intermediate tubercles grow into its body. The edges of the ventricle are filled gray matter. This substance contains vegetative subcortical centers. The third ventricle communicates with the midbrain aqueduct and this occurs through a special opening with the lateral ventricles.

Another one (the fourth ventricle) is located between the medulla and the medulla oblongata. This ventricle is shaped like a tent, with a bottom and a roof. It should be noted that the base and bottom of this ventricle is similar to a rhombus; it can be said to be pressed into the posterior bridge and medulla. For this reason, it is commonly called the rhomboid fossa. In the posterior lower corner of this fossa there is a canal of the spinal cord. Also, in the upper anterior corner there is a connection between the fourth cerebral ventricle and the aqueduct.

The lateral angles end in the form of two pockets, curving ventrally next to the inferior cerebellar peduncles.
In addition, the lateral ventricles of the brain are quite large themselves and have a C-shape. CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) is synthesized in the ventricles, after which this fluid enters the subarachnoid space. In the event that the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebral ventricles worsens, the person receives a diagnosis. Among other things, the spinal ventricles are one of the largest elements in the entire ventricular system.

Ventricular dilatation

Enlargement (dilation), or “asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain,” occurs as a result of an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) located in these ventricles. The result is that this fluid does not always have time to exit quickly (for example, due to obstacles in the exit of the cerebrospinal fluid).

This disease can very often be found in premature babies, since the size of their lateral ventricles is much larger than in children born at term. If a child has “enlarged ventricles of the brain” or “asymmetry of the ventricles of the brain,” the size of the lateral ventricles is determined, as well as their qualitative and quantitative characteristics. To diagnose this there are various techniques. Also, when conducting a study, you should directly measure the depth of the ventricles and the size of the transparent septum, which is located in the third ventricle. “The size of the ventricles of the brain” should correspond to the norm. Normally, their depth should be in the range from 1 to 4 mm. If these indicators are more than 4 mm, as a result of which their lateral curvature disappears and the shape turns into a round one, we can talk about the beginning of their expansion of the lateral ventricles.

What does this mean?

Diseases in which dilatation of the lateral ventricles occurs

A large accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid often occurs as a result of a disease such as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is considered a very serious brain pathology. As a result of this pathology, a change in the absorption process of cerebrospinal fluid occurs; as a result, cerebrospinal fluid can accumulate in the lateral ventricles, which provokes their dilatation. A large number of cerebrospinal fluid may also appear with lesions of the central nervous system. As a result of damage to the central nervous system, the cerebral ventricles may also increase in size due to insufficient rapid release of cerebrospinal fluid. Disruption of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid also occurs due to the appearance of tumors, cysts and other neoplasms.

In addition, disruption of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid can be caused as a result of a traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage and inflammatory processes in the human brain. A common cause of dilatation of the lateral ventricles is a defect of the Sylvian aqueduct. This pathology occurs in 30-35% of cases of hydrocephalus. A common cause of dilation or asymmetry of the lateral ventricles can be a subdural hematoma of the posterior cranial fossa. It is important to remember that hydrocephalus can provoke “bleeding into the ventricles of the brain.”

Other causes of dilatation of the cerebral ventricles

Enlargement of the lateral ventricles of the brain is the cause of many developmental defects in newborns. Even though the expansion of the cerebral ventricles has virtually no effect on the health of the newborn, supervision by a doctor is required. Basically, expansion of the lateral ventricles of the brain, unprovoked serious illnesses, rarely leads to noticeable consequences. Also, expansion of the cephalic ventricles may be a consequence of rickets, or may appear as a result of the unusual structure of the skull.

Regarding diagnosis, asymmetry and dilatation of the lateral ventricles can be detected during the passage ultrasound examination. If doubt arises, after a certain period of time, a repeat ultrasound may be prescribed.