Radiological Findings in Congenital and Acquired Occlusions of the Foramina of Magendie and Luschka

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The Dandy-Walker syndrome, a distinct clinical, pathologic, radiologic entity is a developmental obstruction of the foramina of the fourth ventricle, resulting in hydrocephalus. The severity of the radiographic changes is in direct relation to the degree of dilatation of the cyst-like 4th ventricle. Other congenital anomalies are sometimes associated with this syndrome. The ultimate prognosis in this condition is dependent upon early recognition and treatment. The radiologic criteria for diagnosis are reviewed, and additional roentgen signs on plain skull films are presented for use in children under 2 years of age. These last are not pathogno-monic but are highly suggestive and indicate further examination of the brain by air studies or angiography. Adequate visualization of the 4th ventricle is essential for intelligent assessment of the cause of obstruction in the posterior fossa. The radiologic criteria for diagnosis of posterior fossa arachnoiditis with hydrocephalus are also outlined, and other possibilities in the differential diagnosis of occlusions of the outlets of the 4th ventricle are presented.