Overview of post-infective hydrocephalus.

INTRODUCTION

Post-infective hydrocephalus refers to accumulation of fluid within the cranial cavity (hydrocephalus) secondary to either pyogenic or tuberculous meningitis. Whereas in the former condition, fibrous adhesions develop in the ventricles and arachnoid villi, in the latter, the fibrosis is mainly basal.

METHODS

This is a review of the author's personal series as well as published literature on post-infective hydrocephalus.

CONCLUSION

The aim of treatment in hydrocephalus following pyogenic meningitis is to sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and then to drain the ventricles after conversion of a multiloculated cavity into a single cavity. In hydrocephalus associated with tuberculous meningitis, CSF diversion is not always necessary and should be reserved for cases where clinical deterioration occurs pari passu with increase in ventricular size and intraventricular pressure.