A quantitative assessment of CSF reabsorption in infants with meningomyelocele.

The production of cerebrospinal fluid and bulk flow reabsorption were determined in four children with meningomyelocele who developed hydrocephalus. By subtracting bulk flow reabsorption from CSF production, the amount of CSF reabsorbed by alternative pathways was determined. The results of the study indicate that the majority of CSF reabsorption in these patients takes place by bulk flow. CSF reabsorption by alternative pathways, however, is significant.