The spinal tumour related hydrocephalus.

Three cases are reported of hydrocephalus associated with spinal tumours. In two cases symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure and their spinal tumours developed in co-existence, in the third case hydrocephalus and multiple cerebral metastases developed ten years after removal of a thoraco-lumbal ependymoma. Pathophysiological aspects of concerted action of this rare entity and consequences of misdiagnosis are discussed, and the relevant literature is reviewed.