[Alterations of cerebrospinal fluid pressure in experimental communicating hydrocephalus. Response of CSF-pressure to increased CO2-tension (author's transl)].

The response of cerebrospinal fluid pressure to increased arterial carbon dioxide tension was examined in 5 control dogs and 7 dogs with experimental communicating hydrocephalus. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure in control animals only rose to 35 mm Hg after elevation of the arterial CO2 tension. In dogs with experimental communicating hydrocephalus, however, a significant rise of intracranial pressure to 60 mm Hg can be demonstrated. This is accompained by a marked simultaneous decrease of cerebral perfusion pressure in hydrocephalic animals. Progression of communicating hydrocephalus can be explained as damage to the cerebral tissue by increased intracranial pressure waves and by ischemia due to low cerebral perfusion pressure.