[Value of axial computerized tomography for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the ventriculo-atrial shunt].

The authors describe 32 cases of hydrocephalus of different aetiology in which the effectiveness of the ventriculoatrial shunt was evaluated by means of repeated computerized axial tomographic (CT) investigations. This investigation made it possible to demonstrate in a way not exposing the patients to any complications that the shunt was effective in 87.4% of cases with reduction of the size of the ventricular system of significant and moderate degree. Simultaneously with reduction of the size of the ventricular system an improvement of the clinical state was observed in these patients with disappearance of the signs of increased intracranial pressure. It was observed that in cases of normotensive hydrocephalus presence of cortical atrophy in CT investigation made the prognosis unfavourable despite treatment with the shunt. The analysis of the presented material demonstrated a high usefulness of CT in the observation of hydrocephalus dynamics in cases of different aetiology treated by means of the shunt.