Congenital Disorders

Hydrocephalus

Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.

Cause of hydrocephalus

Impaired circulation of CSF in the brain or spinal cord.

Effect of hydrocephalus

Fluid accumulates under pressure in the ventricles.

Shunt placement

Treatment using a catheter to drain CSF from the ventricles.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Shunt that drains CSF into the peritoneal cavity.

Right atrium of the heart

Another area where CSF may be drained during shunt placement.

Tumors and infections

Hydrocephalus in adults may be caused by these conditions.

Spina bifida

Congenital defect of the lumbar spinal column.

Spina bifida

Imperfect union of vertebral parts causing a neural tube defect.

Spina bifida occulta

Mild form of spina bifida where the defect is covered by skin.

Spina bifida occulta

Usually only detected by imaging or x-ray.

Spina bifida cystica

More severe form of spina bifida with cyst-like protrusions.

Meningocele

Condition where the meninges protrude outside the body.

Myelomeningocele (meningomyelocele)

Condition where both the spinal cord and meninges protrude.

Etiology of neural tube defects

Cause of neural tube defects is unknown.

Early pregnancy

Neural tube defects develop during this stage.

Prenatal diagnosis

Methods used to diagnose neural tube defects before birth.

Maternal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing

Blood test used in prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects.