Abstract

DELGADO CRUZ, Amarily. Macrocephaly by obstructive hydrocephalus. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2015, vol.19, n.5, pp.948-955. ISSN 1561-3194.

Introduction: the diagnosis of macrocephaly in children may be the clinical expression of a severe neurological damage. Hydrocephalus is found among the causes, which is characterized by a hydrodynamic disorder of cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], both in the production, circulation or reabsorption, leading to an increase of this, rising of volume and resulting in the dilation of the ventricles. Case report: a 5-month old infant, presenting macrocephaly, broad and bulging anterior fontanels, separated cranial sutures, sun-setting sign in eyes and slight hypotonia of the four limbs was admitted under the suspicion of hydrocephalus. A computed tomography [CT] and a brain ultrasound were performed, showing enlarged cerebral ventricles at the expense of the cerebrospinal fluid, the dilation is triventricular, and obstruction of the sylvian aqueduct was also observed. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt of right-side pediatric pressure was conducted as a therapeutic approach. Conclusions: the early diagnosis of hydrocephalus is essential to improve the prognosis of the disease.

Keywords : Megaloencefalia; Hidrocefalia; Diagnóstico precoz; Megaloencephaly; Hydrocephalus; Early diagnosis.

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