[Collapsed ventricle syndrome (slit-ventricle). Apropos of 8 cases].

Slit-ventricle syndrome (SVS) may appear in shunted hydrocephalic children as a complication by chronic overdrainage. SVS is defined by clinical features (headache, nausea and/or vomiting, disturbance of consciousness), slow valve refilling and slit or slit-like ventricles at computerized tomography. Authors report eight cases of SVS and review physiopathological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of this syndrome. It is concluded that SVS at present time may be considered an iatrogenic complication and the placement of high-pressure valves as a prophylactic measure can be a useful system to avoid SVS. It seems necessary to make more studies in order to evaluate efficacy of antisiphon devices.