Possibilities and reliability of echoventriculography

Abstract

<h2>Abstract</h2> Echoencephalographic measurements of the cerebral ventricles today are just as important as the detection of a midline shift. Using the <i>A</i>-mode technique the width of the third ventricle, the width of the lateral ventricles in the body region and the distance from the lateral wall of the temporal horn to the inner skull table can be measured. In children all three measurements are possible even in the absence of ventricular dilatation. In adults the measurement of the width of the lateral ventricles is, however, only possible when the ventricles are dilated. The reliability of echoventriculographic measurements is verified by the comparison with the results of contrast medium investigations. The best correlation between the two methods is found when there is an enlargement of the third ventricle in all ages, and with infantile hydrocephalus concerning the width of the lateral ventricles. The validity of various echoventriculographic indices is critically analyzed resulting in a new classification.