The transverse size of the lateral ventricles is normal. Dilatation of the ventricles of the brain in newborns

The human brain is a complex and amazing structure, all the mysteries of which scientists have not yet unraveled. One of the most interesting mechanisms of functioning nervous system the process of formation and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid remains ( cerebrospinal fluid), which is carried out using the 3rd ventricle of the brain.

3rd ventricle of the brain: anatomy and physiology

The third ventricle of the brain is a thin slit-like cavity bounded by the visual thalamus and located in the diencephalon. The inside of the third ventricle of the brain is lined soft shell, branched choroid plexus and filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

The physiological significance of the 3rd ventricle is very great. It ensures unimpeded flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricles into the subarachnoid space for washing the brain and spinal cord. Simply put, it ensures the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which is necessary for:

regulation intracranial pressure;
mechanical protection of the brain from damage and injury;
transporting substances from the brain to the spinal cord and vice versa;
protecting the brain from infection.

3rd ventricle of the brain: normal in children and adults

A normally functioning liquor system is an uninterrupted and harmonious process. But if even a small “breakdown” occurs in the processes of formation and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, this will certainly affect the condition of the child or adult.

The 3rd ventricle of the brain is especially important in this regard, the norm of which is indicated below:

Newborns -3-5 mm.
Children 1-3 months -3-5 mm.
Children 3 months - 6 years -3-6 mm.
Adults -4-6 mm.

Common diseases of the third ventricle of the brain

Most often, the problem of impaired outflow of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in children - newborns and babies up to one year old. One of the most common diseases at this age is ICH () and its complication – hydrocephalus.

During pregnancy future mom undergoes mandatory fetal ultrasound, which makes it possible to identify birth defects development of the child’s central nervous system is still early stages. If during the examination the doctor notes that the 3rd ventricle of the brain is dilated, additional diagnostic tests and careful medical supervision will be needed.

If the cavity of the 3rd ventricle in the fetus becomes more and more dilated, in the future such a baby may require bypass surgery to restore the normal outflow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Also, all babies born at the age of two months (earlier if indicated) undergo mandatory medical checkup a neurologist who may suspect dilatation of the 3rd ventricle and the presence of ICH. Such children are sent for a special examination of brain structures (neurosonogathia).

What is NSG?

Neurosonography is special type ultrasound examination brain It can be performed on infants because they have a small physiological opening in the skull - the fontanelle.

Using a special sensor, the doctor receives an image of all the internal structures of the brain, determines their size and location. If the 3rd ventricle is dilated in the NSG, more detailed tests are performed - computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain a more accurate picture of the disease and confirm the diagnosis.

Which doctors should you contact when diagnosing ICH?

If the 3rd ventricle of the baby’s brain is slightly dilated and the mother has no serious complaints, regular monitoring by a local pediatrician is sufficient. Consultation with a neurologist and neurosurgeon is necessary if there is significant dilatation of the ventricles on ultrasound or symptoms of ICH:

the child began to suck the breast worse;
the fontanel is tense, protruding above the surface of the skull;
the saphenous veins of the scalp are dilated;
Graefe's symptom - a section of white sclera between the iris and eyelid when looking down;
loud, sharp cry;
vomit;
divergence of the sutures of the skull;
rapid increase in head size.

Doctors determine further tactics for treating a baby with: conservative means prescribing vascular medications, massage, physiotherapy; surgical – performing an operation. After therapy, children quickly recover, the activity of the nervous system is restored.

Colloid cyst of the 3rd ventricle is a disease common among adults 20-40 years old. It is characterized by the appearance of a benign round formation in the cavity of the 3rd ventricle, not prone to rapid growth and metastasis.

The colloid cyst itself does not pose any danger to human health. Problems start when she reaches large sizes and prevents the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. In this case, the patient experiences neurological symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure:

severe headache;
vomit;
visual impairment;
convulsions.

Diagnosis, treatment colloid cyst The third ventricle is jointly dealt with by a neurologist and a neurosurgeon. If the size of the formation is pronounced, determined on CT or surgery cysts. After the operation, the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid is quickly restored, and all symptoms of the disease disappear.

Summing up

Thus, the third ventricle is important element liquor system, diseases of which can lead to serious consequences. Attentive attention to health and timely consultation with doctors will help you quickly and permanently cope with the disease.

During a pathological course of pregnancy or childbirth, dilatation may develop - this is if the paired or unpaired ventricles of the brain in an infant are enlarged. In such cases, immediate treatment is necessary. Up to a year possible full recovery the functioning of the ventricular system and the baby’s recovery.

What it is

To store and collect cerebrospinal fluid, the human brain has 2 paired and 2 unpaired ventricles. Each of them contains a reservoir for cerebrospinal fluid. Features of each element of the ventricular system:

The first (left) ventricle and the second (right) ventricle. They consist of three pairs of horns and a body, connected to each other. Dilatation of the lateral ventricles is often diagnosed in newborns. Liquid accumulates in the horns or body of the cerebrospinal fluid collectors.

Third ventricle connected to the paired ones and located between their anterior and lower horns.

Fourth ventricle (rhomboid fossa) collects all the liquid from the three previous elements. From it, the fluid is distributed along the spinal or central canal.

The growth of the ventricles occurs gradually, consistent with the linear dimensions of the skull. However, in the presence of provoking factors, dilatation of the third or fourth collector for cerebrospinal fluid occurs. Sometimes an ultrasound examination of the expectant mother may indicate the presence of the 5th ventricle. This is the norm.

Ventricular system

The ventricular system is designed to store and secrete cerebrospinal fluid. When working properly, cerebrospinal fluid is collected in the tanks of its collectors from the surrounding veins. From there, the cerebrospinal fluid is distributed into the subarachnoid space.

An enlargement of one of the ventricles in an infant is not always pathological. Minor deviations in their size are due to the baby’s large head at birth. Expansion of the elements of the ventricular system is observed up to one year of age. When a pathology is detected, it is recommended to measure the entire liquor apparatus.

Disruption of the outflow from the ventricles of the brain occurs due to the appearance of an obstruction to the excretion of cerebrospiral fluid. With prolonged accumulation of fluid, an enlarged head and a hydrocephalic condition of the infant are observed. Which leads to disruption of brain function. These disorders occur due to pathological or premature birth, head injury of a newborn.

Indicators of normal sizes

The sizes of the ventricles are determined by ultrasound examination of the infant's brain. At the slightest deviation, there is a risk of cerebrospinal fluid stagnation.

Normal indicators of the elements of the ventricular system in newborns:

Lateral (first and second): 4 mm. Features of paired elements: front horns - up to 4 mm, rear horns up to 15 mm, lateral bodies 4 mm each.
Third: 5 mm.
Normal fourth ventricle measurements range from 3 to 6 mm.

Brain structures in healthy children should grow symmetrically and gradually. Indicators are calculated depending on the linear dimensions of the skull. If one of the ventricles is larger than normal, it is necessary to examine the entire liquor apparatus and make sure of the asymmetry of paired or pathological enlargement of unpaired elements.

Hydrocephalic-hypertensive syndrome

When fluid is retained in the ventricles of the brain, their volume increases and intracranial pressure increases. With hydrecephalic-hypertensive syndrome, disruption and atrophy of the hemispheres occurs.

The causes of the pathology are as follows:

Congenital hydrocephalus: fetal hypoxia, pathological childbirth, birth of a child before 35 weeks, maternal infection or virus during pregnancy, genetic pathologies of brain development.

Acquired hydrocephalus: infection, neoplasms in the ventricles, head trauma, disruption of the integrity of the bones of the skull and brain.

A newborn with this syndrome is characterized by tearfulness, impaired motor skills and a lag in physical and psycho-emotional development. There is a gradual or sudden enlargement of the head, the bones of the skull diverge, and the fontanel protrudes.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the baby, who has squint, often spits up, is capricious in morning time, reacts negatively to bright lights and loud sounds.

If dilatation of the left ventricle is diagnosed in newborns up to six months, it is possible hospital treatment. The child is prescribed sedatives, diuretics and nootropic drugs. Massage is required and gymnastic exercises.

Ventriculomegalic state

Enlarged and dilated ventricles affect the functioning of the central nervous system. If the changes evenly affected every element of the liquor structure, this is the norm. There are types and degrees of severity of the ventriculomegalic condition.

Based on localization, the following types of pathology are distinguished:

Enlargement of the rear or side (left, right) element.

Enlargement affecting the visual thalamus and frontal region of the brain.

Enlargement of the fourth ventricle, which affects the cerebellum and medulla oblongata.

The main causes of this congenital condition are abnormal development of the fetus due to abnormalities in the chromosomal sequence. Other factors are associated with abnormal birth, head trauma, or infections affecting the brain.

After ultrasound diagnostics brain in newborns, diuretic, potassium-containing and vitamin supplements are prescribed medicines. Lack of adequate treatment leads to the development of Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Edwards genetic mutation.

The child will not be able to live a full life, since the dilated ventricles will negatively affect the brain and heart.

Causes of dilatation

Dilatation may occur in utero or develop gradually after pathological childbirth or head injuries. Even the smallest changes in the size of the liquor structures can lead to serious consequences. Their increase leads to increased intracranial pressure, which provokes hydrocephalus.

The main causes of dilated paired or unpaired ventricles of the brain in infants:

Pathological pregnancy: lack of oxygen, early placental abruption.
Early labor, prolonged labor, lack of labor activity.
Head injury during childbirth, due to a fall, blow, accident.
Benign and malignant tumors in the brain, which prevent the outflow of fluid.
Cyst formation.
Foreign bodies entering the brain.
Past infectious diseases.
Subdural and subarachoid hemorrhages leading to ventricular asymmetry.

Dilatation in infants leads to diseases of the nervous system and developmental disorders. It is possible to detect pathology in the first days of the child and mother’s stay in the neonatal unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the development of serious complications.

Symptoms of enlargement

Manifestations of enlarged ventricles are not noticeable with minor changes. With the gradual accumulation of fluid, disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system, heart, organs of vision and hearing are observed.

According to availability the following signs Doctors may suspect dilatation in a newborn:

lack of appetite and frequent regurgitation;
tremor of the chin, arms and legs;
epileptic seizures;
motor impairment;
retardation in mental and physical development;
strabismus and other visual impairments;
pale skin;
the appearance of enlarged veins on the forehead, temples and head;
the head enlarges, the bones of the skull diverge.

If ventricular enlargement occurs at an older age, the child may complain of nausea and headache. Coordination problems, hallucinations, and memory loss are also observed. The presence of certain symptoms may depend on the degree of dilation of the cerebral ventricles and the location of the pathology.

Diagnostics

Disease detection includes instrumental examinations. Such diagnostic measures make it possible to accurately determine the size and depth of the ventricles and the degree of fluid accumulation in them. In the presence of external changes outlines of the skull or characteristic symptoms The doctor prescribes the following procedures:

Fundus examination to examine the condition of blood vessels and identify visual impairments.

Neurosonography to determine the size of each of the paired ventricles.

Magnetic resonance therapy for older children. Prescribed when it is difficult to diagnose a child’s condition using other methods.

Computed tomography to detect subtle changes in the size of the ventricles.

Ultrasound examination of the child’s brain to identify echo signs of ventricular dilatation. In addition to accurate measurements of cerebrospinal fluid structures, it is possible to determine the volume of accumulated cerebrospinal fluid.

Puncture of cerebrospinal fluid to determine its composition and nature.

Only after the examination can the doctor prescribe adequate treatment. If the changes are minor and symmetrical, constant monitoring of the child’s condition is prescribed. Identified cysts can resolve on their own during the first year of life.

How is an ultrasound performed on infants?

An ultrasound examination is carried out through the child’s non-overgrown fontanel. Therefore, after a year, when the bones of the skull grow together, it is prescribed CT scan or MRI.

The procedure is carried out according to the following algorithm:

Treatment of the spring with a special gel that promotes the penetration of ultrasonic rays.
Setting up the device based on the age of the child being examined.
Brain examination and recording of results.

Based on the presented conclusion, you should not make a diagnosis yourself. After studying the results, examining the child, and recording concomitant signs of brain development disorders, treatment will be prescribed.

Interpretation of ultrasound results

The results are interpreted by the attending physician; sometimes a consultation with a neurosurgeon is required. If the examination reveals that the baby’s ventricles are dilated, but pathological symptoms missing, you need to be examined again.

In addition to the size and depth of the elements of the liquor apparatus, which were mentioned above, the following indicators are provided: the interhemispheric fissure should be no more than 3 mm;
subarachnoid space about 3mm.

These measurements indicate the condition of the ventricles and the degree of dilatation. If they are greatly enlarged, there are disturbances in the structures of the brain. The lateral ventricles should not exceed 4 mm, otherwise hydrocephalus is diagnosed.

Treatment of the disease

Dilatation therapy includes drug treatment and physiotherapeutic procedures.

For the treatment of enlargement of the lateral and unpaired ventricles of the brain of newborns, the following is prescribed: diuretics to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid; nootropics to improve blood circulation; central nervous system sedatives; gymnastics and massage of the child to improve the child’s condition and relieve muscle tone; vitamin complexes to prevent rickets.

If ventricular enlargement is a consequence infectious disease, antibiotics are prescribed and antiviral drugs. In case of violations of the integrity of the skull and brain, surgical treatment is performed.

Consequences and complications

The consequences of an enlarged cerebral ventricle can be different. It all depends on the degree of expansion and localization of the pathology. The main complications that can occur if medical recommendations are not followed:

loss of vision and hearing;
impaired coordination, lack of physical and mental activity;
lagging behind peers;
paralysis;
constant growth of the head, deformation of the bones of the skull;
epileptic seizures and loss of consciousness;
hallucinations;
hemorrhagic shock;
paralysis;
death.

If an ultrasound reveals a slight enlargement of the ventricles, but the baby is not capricious and develops according to the norm, a repeat examination is scheduled. To avoid development possible complications do not ignore doctor's orders. Complete all necessary examinations and treat your child.

To understand why the ventricles of the brain are enlarged, you need to know the anatomical side of the problem. The ventricles located in the medulla small baby, are represented by a variety of cavity formations necessary for the preservation of cerebrospinal fluid.

The capacitive structure of the brain for liquor storage is the lateral ventricles. In terms of size, they are larger than all the others. The left ventricular formation of the brain is the first, and located on the right edge is the second.

The third ventricular element is closely interconnected with the two located laterally due to the hole located between the column of the fornix and the anterior thalamic ending, connecting the third ventricular element with the lateral ones (interventricular). Corpus callosum(corpus callosum) has sides, and these cavity formations in the form of ventricles are localized on the sides, just below this body. The composition of the lateral ventricles is presented in the form of anterior, posterior, inferior horns, as well as the body.

The fourth ventricular component is very important, located near the cerebellum and medulla oblongata. It is similar to a rhomboid shape, which is why it is called the rhomboid fossa, in which the canal of the spinal cord is located with the canal where there is communication between the fourth ventricular component and the aqueduct.

It is worth noting that if there is a 5th ventricle located in the brain region during ultrasound diagnostics during pregnancy, then this is the norm.

Together with the accumulation function of the ventricles, the secreting function of spinal cerebrospinal fluid is performed. IN in good condition this fluid drains into the area of the subarachnoid space, but sometimes this process is disrupted; various ventricles located in the brain region of the helpless infant are dilated. This indicates an impaired outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricular zone, and a hydrocephalic condition develops.

What does this mean

There is no need to panic if some of the ventricles located in the brain region of a helpless baby are dilated. After all, dilatation of some ventricles located in the brain region is not always pathological. A slight enlargement of any ventricle located in the area of the baby’s brain is due to physiology due to the baby’s large head.

Enlargement of the ventricles of the brain in newborns is not uncommon until one year of age. In this situation, it is necessary to find out not only how dilated some of the ventricles located in the brain zone of a small baby are, but also to measure the entire liquor apparatus.

An excess of cerebrospinal fluid is considered the main root cause of what actually causes this expansion of the ventricles of the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid does not flow due to an obstruction in the place where it leaves, which results in dilatation of the existing ventricular system located in the medullary region.

Dilation occurs in those babies who were born prematurely. When dilatation of some lateral ventricles located in the area of the brain in newborns, or their asymmetry, is suspected, they need to be measured and a qualitative parameter established. This is what happens when the existing lateral ventricles of the human brain are expanded, and what this means is already clear. Conditions when many ventricles are dilated require careful description.

Ventriculomegalic state

With it, the cavity system of the ventricular apparatus is enlarged, which will result in dysfunction of the central nervous system.

Ventriculomegalic types

Depending on the severity, the pathology occurs in mild degree, medium and heavy; location determines the following types:

lateral, in which there is a pronounced enlargement of some ventricles in small child, such as rear and side;
another type, where the pathology is located in the area near the visual thalamus and frontal region;
V next case the focus affects the cerebellar region with the medulla oblongata of the brain.

What are the causes of the pathology

The main root cause of possible pathology in newborns is considered to be a chromosomal abnormality in pregnant women. Other circumstances that determine why certain ventricles of the brain zone in a small child are enlarged include infectious diseases, physical trauma, hydrocephalic obstruction, hemorrhagic manifestations, burdened heredity.

Symptoms of the disease

Dilated certain ventricles of the brain in a small child are the root cause of the Down, Turner, and Edwards syndrome conditions. In addition, enlarged certain ventricles of the brain area in a small infant affect cardiac activity, brain structures and the musculoskeletal system.

Diagnostic measures

This condition in children is diagnosed using ultrasound examination heads.

How is it treated

In a condition where the lateral ventricles of the child’s brain are dilated, the main thing is to prevent complicated conditions in the body. Diuretics are prescribed vitamin preparations, antihypoxants. Additional methods treatments for this condition are massage procedures with special physical therapy. To prevent complicated conditions, potassium-sparing agents are used.

Hydrocephalic-hypertensive syndrome

Another course of the disease cannot be excluded, in which enlarged ventricular medullary components are observed in newborns - hydrocephalic hypertension syndrome.

With it, cerebrospinal fluid is overproduced, accumulating under the meninges and the ventricular system of the brain. Occurs this pathology rarely, requires diagnostic confirmation. This syndrome is classified according to age indicator child.

Causes

The root causes are divided into those that existed before birth and those that have already been acquired. Congenital occur due to:

complicated course of a woman’s condition during which she is pregnant, complicated childbirth;
intrauterine cerebral hypoxia, trauma during childbirth, developmental anomalies;
early labor;
intrapartum trauma with hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space;
intrauterine infectious pathology;
brain abnormality;
prolonged labor;
a long period between the breaking of amniotic fluid and the expulsion of the fetus;
maternal chronic pathology.

Acquired root causes include:

neoplasms of oncological or inflammatory nature;
foreign body located in the brain;
condition after a skull fracture with penetration of bone fragments into the brain;
infectious pathology;
cause of unknown etiology.

All the root causes of this syndrome lead to the development of dilation of the ventricles of the brain in infants.

Manifestation of pathology

The clinical syndrome manifests itself:

high intracranial pressure;
increased volume of fluid in the ventricular system.

The symptoms boil down to:

the baby refuses to breastfeed, is whiny, and capricious for no apparent reason;
he has a decrease in activity in muscle fibers;
reflexive activity is poorly expressed: poor grasping and swallowing;
burps frequently;
there is strabismus;
iridescent upon examination eye shell half-covered by the lower eyelid;
the sutures of the skull diverge ─ this also indicates that there is an increase in some of the lateral ventricles of the child’s brain area;
tension with bulging fontanelles shows that the ventricles of the brain are dilated in the child;
month after month the head circumference increases, this too important sign the fact that some of the lateral ventricles of the brain are slightly expanded in infants;
the fundus shows what visual discs edematous, also an indicator that dilatation of the lateral ventricles located in the brain region of a small baby is occurring.

These manifestations indicate that the ventricular system of an enlarged brain in a small child, or the fifth ventricle of the brain, is enlarged; serious consequences are possible. Older children age category sometimes acquire this syndrome immediately after being ill infectious pathology or damage to the skull and brain.

A characteristic feature of this problem is considered to be morning pain in the area of the head, of a compressive or bursting nature, localized in the temporal and frontal zone, with the manifestation of nausea with vomiting.

The complaint, in which a certain ventricle of a region of the brain in a small child is enlarged, is the inability to raise the eyes upward with the head down. This is often accompanied by a feeling of dizziness. With observed paroxysm skin pale, lethargic, lack of activity. The child is irritated by bright lights and loud sound effects. Based on this, it is already possible to assume that the left ventricle of the child’s brain is enlarged.

Due to high muscle tone in the legs, the child walks on his toes, he has severe squint, he is very sleepy, and his psychomotor development is slow. This is what enlarged ventricles of a diseased brain lead to in a small child of 3 years old.

Diagnostic measures

Highly accurate diagnosis of hydrocephalic syndrome with hypertension, to find out whether the cerebral ventricle is really enlarged in an infant, is not easy. Using the latest diagnostic methods it is impossible to establish accurate diagnosis, in which the syndrome leads to the development of slight dilatation of the ventricular system of a small area of the child’s brain, or the 3rd ventricle located in the area of the brain is expanded, or dilatation of the left ventricle, located in the area of the child’s brain, may occur.

The diagnostic parameters of a newborn are the circumference of the head region and the activity of reflexes. Other diagnostics include:

ophthalmological examination of the fundus;
neurosonographic examination in order to see how enlarged the ventricle of a certain part of the brain is in a newborn;
Carrying out a computed tomography examination and MRI will help to accurately determine that this may be a slight dilatation of the lateral ventricles of the brain in a child;
lumbar puncture study, which determines the degree of pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid. This method accurate, reliable.

Therapeutic measures

Neurological and neurosurgical specialists are required to treat this disease. Patients are constantly monitored by doctors, otherwise the enlarged ventricles of the child’s brain will bring serious consequences.

Until six months of age, when dilatation of the left lateral ventricle brain in newborns, outpatient treatment. The main treatment is:

diuretics together with drugs that reduce the reproduction of cerebrospinal fluid;
nootropic group of drugs that improves cerebral circulation;
sedatives;
special gymnastic exercises with massage.

Therapeutic measures for the syndrome, in which an enlargement of the left ventricle of the brain is detected in newborns, are long-term, lasting more than 1 month.

Older children age group They are treated for hydrocephalic syndrome, depending on the pathogenesis, depending on the root cause of the pathology. When the syndrome occurs due to an infectious disease, drugs against bacteria or viruses are prescribed. In case of cranial trauma or oncology it is indicated surgical intervention. If left untreated, the enlarged ventricular system of the brain in newborns will cause serious consequences.

Complicated conditions

The manifestation of hydrocephalic syndrome with hypertension causes complicated conditions in the body, in which the child will have the following consequences:

psychomotor development of the baby is slow;
will become completely or partially blind;
auditory dysfunction, possibly completely deaf;
may fall into a coma;
completely or partially paralyzed;
the fontanel bulges abnormally;
epileptic seizures are manifested;
involuntarily urinates, performs an act of defecation;
may die.

This is what the increased condition of the ventricular elements of the brain in newborns will lead to, what the possible consequences are, if treatment is not performed on time.

In the infancy period, the prognosis is most favorable due to the frequency arterial type pressure and intracranial pressure, which come with time the older the baby gets normal indicators. In the older age category of children, the prognosis is unfavorable, depending on the root cause of this syndrome and the characteristics of treatment.

On the first day of his life, the child undergoes a thorough examination and comprehensive examination by doctors. This is necessary in order to promptly identify all possible congenital pathologies and developmental defects that threaten the health of the baby.

Doctors pay special attention to the condition internal organs baby. Often, after a mandatory ultrasound examination, a young mother is informed that the size of the ventricles of her baby’s brain is not normal. What does it mean? What prospects await a child with a similar diagnosis?

Structure of the ventricular system of the brain

The ventricular system is a capacitive structure of the brain. Its purpose is to synthesize and store cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid, is responsible for a number of functions in the body. It acts as a shock absorber, protecting the thinking organ from external damage, and helps stabilize intracranial pressure. Without cerebrospinal fluid, metabolic processes between the brain and blood cells would be impossible.

How is it presented in human body the structure responsible for the synthesis of this essential fluid? A table illustrating the normal four-cavity structure of the ventricular system of the brain in humans will help answer the question:

Normal ventricle sizes

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The volume of each ventricle directly determines how much cerebrospinal fluid is synthesized or stored in it. If the size of the structure exceeds normal, there is a risk of overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid or problems with its removal, which cannot but lead to malfunctions in the functioning of the thinking organ.
What is the usual ventricular depth in newborns? According to the observations of neonatologists, normal values will be approximately as follows:

1st and 2nd ventricles - about 3 mm in the anterior and from 10 to 15 mm in the occipital horns, plus - no more than 4 mm in the lateral bodies;
3 ventricle – no more than 5 mm;
4th ventricle – no more than 4 mm.

Over time, as the newborn's brain begins to grow, its depth will gradually increase. internal cavities. If the expansion of the ventricles occurs sharply, and their proportions cease to be linearly consistent with the size of the skull, this, like a congenital deviation from normal values, a reason to sound the alarm.
Causes of enlarged ventricles of the brain
Sometimes a slight discrepancy between the size of brain structures and normal values is genetically determined. This feature is already revealed when initial examination infant and, as a rule, is not considered pathological. At the same time, noticeable dilatation or asymmetry of the ventricles may be the result of a serious chromosomal abnormality that arose during the intrauterine development of the fetus.
Doctors have also identified a number of non-genetic factors that provoke the expansion of brain cavities. These include:
How does ventricular dilatation manifest?
What signs of ventricular dilatation and asymmetry lead doctors to suspect a problem? With pathological changes in the structure of brain structures in newborns, the following symptoms are observed:
tearfulness (especially in the morning);
motor impairment;
painful reaction to light and sharp sounds;
frequent regurgitation;
strabismus.

In the long term, children with dilated ventricular cavities begin to significantly lag behind their peers in development, both physical and psycho-emotional. At serious pathologies violations become visible to the naked eye. The child’s head enlarges as with hydrocephalus, the cranial bones diverge, and the fontanel begins to protrude (we recommend reading:).
Consequences of pathology in children
Depending on the severity and location of the problem, the consequences of enlarged cerebral ventricles for the child also vary. As a rule, the pathology in question is completely harmless. The prospects for its development are unpleasant, but not fatal. Ventricular enlargement leads to increased concentration cerebrospinal fluid in the brain spaces, which increases the pressure on local nerve endings. As a result, complications arise such as:
defecation disorders;
problems with urination;
periodic failure of the senses (temporary blindness or deafness);
impaired coordination of movements;
delays in mental and physical development.

If the width of the ventricles deviates significantly from the norm in a larger direction, the consequences of the pathology can become critical. The brain is protected from external damage mainly by the bones of the skull. Their discrepancy, caused by a discrepancy in the size of the organs, increases the risk of injury (rupture of the ventricles themselves, the veins communicating with them, etc.).
The resulting hemorrhage can lead to:
epilepsy;
permanent loss of hearing or vision;
paralysis or coma;
instant death.

Diagnosis of pathology
In order to prevent the sad consequences described above, it is very important to detect deviations in a timely manner. Which modern means allow you to most accurately diagnose the pathology in question?
Usually, asymmetry or enlargement of the cerebral ventricles in an infant is detected at the very first routine ultrasound, which any child under one year old must undergo (we recommend reading:). To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a number of additional examinations for the baby:
examination by an ophthalmologist;
MRI under general anesthesia;

Treatment methods
If the diagnostician’s suspicions of enlarged or asymmetrical cerebral ventricles are confirmed, the child receives a referral to a neurosurgeon or neurologist, who will develop an individual treatment regimen for his little patient. Usually, methods are used to normalize the patient’s condition drug therapy. For children with obvious neuropathological abnormalities, doctors recommend:
Diuretics. Accelerated removal of fluids from the body helps eliminate cerebral edema.
Vitamin and mineral complexes with high content potassium Due to frequent urination, the body loses a lot useful substances, the deficit of which must be compensated in a timely manner. In addition, regular intake of vitamins helps the patient recover faster.
Nootropic medications. Improved blood supply due to increased elasticity of blood vessels facilitates normal functioning brain structures.
Sedatives. Sedatives reduce the manifestation neurological symptoms illness (tearfulness, irritability, etc.).

For children suffering from the pathology in question in mild form, drug treatment shows excellent results. If the enlarged liquor spaces are the result of the mechanical injury heads, the problem takes on a completely different scope. As a rule, it is impossible to solve it without the help of a qualified surgeon.
Predictions for a child
If small deviations in the size of the first and second lateral, as well as the third or fourth cerebral ventricles were detected in the baby immediately after birth, the prognosis for his recovery is quite favorable. In most cases, such anomalies are caused by the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of infants, so with age the problem goes away on its own. To guarantee a favorable outcome, parents need to register their child with a neurologist, who will closely monitor changes in the baby’s condition for the next few years and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate treatment.
For children whose pathology was identified at an older age, the prospects are not so rosy. The later the deviation is discovered, the higher the likelihood that, in the absence of observation and therapy, the disease has managed to contribute to the formation of various abnormalities in brain development, which is fraught with complications. Of course, such a diagnosis is not a death sentence. However, parents need to prepare themselves and their child for the inevitability of the upcoming long and complex treatment, and possibly to surgery.

21.08.2013

The ventricles are an important anatomical structure of the brain. These are peculiar voids,communicating with each other, lined with ependyma. IN During the process of ontogenesis, brain vesicles are formed from the cavity of the neural tube, which are then transformed into the ventricular system.The main function of this system is the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Liquor protects the main parts of the nervous system from mechanical damage, supports normal level intracranial pressure, is involved in the delivery of useful substances from the circulating blood to neurons. All sections of the ventricular system (lateral, third and fourth) have special choroid plexuses that secrete cerebrospinal fluid. AND The ventricles of the brain are connected to each other by the subarachnoid space, which makes it possible to transport cerebral fluid from the lateral to the third, and then to the fourth section. The final stage of circulation is the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid through granulations arachnoid into the venous sinuses.

Lateral ventricles of the brain

They are located inside the cerebral hemispheres and are conventionally considered the first and second. Each of them consists of a central section and three horns. The central part is located in the parietal lobe, the anterior horn is localized in the frontal, the posterior - in the occipital, and the lower - in the temporal. The choroid plexus is distributed unevenly throughout their perimeter. For example, it is absent in the anterior and posterior horns, but begins directly in the central part and gradually descends into the lower horn. It is here that the choroid plexus has largest size, therefore this part of it is called a ball. Degenerative changes or a violation of the symmetrical arrangement most often affects the stroma of these tangles. Such pathologies are often visible on plain radiographs and are of particular importance for diagnosis. Through the interventricular foramina or foramina of Monroe, both ventricles are connected to the third.

Third ventricle of the brain

It is located in the diencephalon and connects the lateral and ventricles of the brainwith the fourth. Like the others, it has choroid plexuses, whichare localized along its roof,and filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

An important structure here is the hypothalamic groove, which, from an anatomical point of view, is the boundary between the subtubercular region and the visual thalamus.Connects the third and fourth ventricles water pipes . It is considered one of the identifying elements of the midbrain.

Fourth ventricle of the brain

Unpaired is on the border betweenmedulla oblongata, cerebellum and pons, its shape resembles a pyramid. Its bottom is called the diamond-shaped fossa, because, from an anatomical point of view, it is a diamond-shaped depression lined with a thin layer gray matter with a large number of depressions and tubercles. The roof is formed by the upper and lower cerebral sails. It seems to hang over the diamond-shaped fossa. The choroid plexus, consisting of a medial section and two lateral ones,is relatively autonomous.It is attached to the lower lateral surfaces of the cavity and extends into its lateral inversions. Through the medial foramen of Magendie and the symmetrical lateral foramina of Luschka, the ventricular system communicates with the subarachnoid or subarachnoid space of the meninges.

Dilatation of the ventricles of the brain

Expansion of the ventricular system negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system. Assess the condition and identify whether it is enlarged or notventricles of the brain, allow diagnostic methods. Most often, a computer or more modern computer is used for this purpose.Magnetic resonance imaging . There are many reasons that cause expansion or asymmetry of the ventricular system. Most common:

Increased formation and secretion of cerebrospinal fluid, for example, with papilloma or inflammation of the choroid plexus.

Violation of the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid, for example, when the holes are blockedMagendie and Luschka (after inflammation of the meninges - meningitis), metabolic reactions after subarachnoid hemorrhage, venous thrombosis.

Presence in the cranial cavity volumetric neoplasms, such as a tumor, cyst, hematoma, abscess.

Regardless of the reason, there is general mechanism development of pathology. Initially, there is a delay in the outflow of cerebral fluid from the cavities of the ventricular system into the subarachnoid space. Therefore, they begin to expand, compressing the surrounding brain tissue. The main complication that develops due to primary blockade of the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid most often becomeshydrocephalus of the brain . Typical patient complaints are attacks of sudden headaches, accompanying nausea, and sometimes vomiting, various disorders vegetative functions. Described clinical symptoms are associated with an acute increase in intraventricular pressure, which is characteristic of pathology of the liquor-conducting system.