Abstract

FETAL HYDROCEPHALUS, PREGNANCY AND ROLE OF ULTRASOUND 2019

Dr. Qais Jasem Mohammed, Dr. Halah Ahmed Younus*, Dr. Ruwaida Hamza Salih

ABSTRACT

What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) within cavities called ventricles inside the brain. CSF is produced in the choroid plexus, which is a collection of tissue that rests within the ventricles. CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a protective cushion against injury. It carries nutrients and proteins to the brain while carrying waste products away from sur rounding brain tissue. Under normal conditions, there is a balance between the amount of CSF that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. Hydrocephalus is caused most often by an obstruction to the flow pattern of the CSF, but may also result from a failure of CSF to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Because CSF is produced continuously, when an interference with absorption or flow of spinal fluid occurs, CSF will begin to accumulate, causing the ventricles to enlarge and pressure to increase inside the head. When the blockage occurs within the ventricular system, it is called noncommunicating hydro ceph alus. If the blockage occurs in the subarachnoid space (outside the ventricles), it is called communicating hydro cepha lus, meaning that the ventricles remain open and communicate with each other and the subarachnoid spaces, but CSF can’t be fully absorbed into the bloodstream.

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