Systematic Ventriculographic Studies in Infants Born with Meningomyelocele and Encephalocele: The Incidence and Development of Hydrocephalus

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Abstract
The following conclusions can be drawn from this investigation: (1) There is an 80% incidence of hydrocephalus in association with meningomyelocele and encephalocele in infants. This hydrocephalus can usually be detected in the 1st few days or weeks of life, even if the size of the head is not larger than normal, and other signs of increased intracranial pressure are not present. (2) The incidence of hydrocephalus is far higher in infants whose meningomyelocele involves the lumbar region, than when it involves other sites, and is far higher if there is associated paraplegia; 96% of infants with paraplegia and a lumbar meningomyelocele, and 95% of infants whose head circumference was over the 90th percentile in the 1st few weeks of life had radiologically demonstrable hydrocephalus. (3) There is no evidence that repair of the meningomyelocele in the early neonatal period influences the development of hydrocephalus. No infant who did not have hydrocephalus at the first examination developed clinical or other evidence of hydrocephalus during a period of follow-up lasting up to 23 months. (4) It is desirable to perform routine ventriculography in babies with meningomyelocele as soon as possible after birth. This is of great prognostic value and is useful as a guide to treatment.

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