Posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation

Abstract

Posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation is the most serious direct complication of intraventricular haemorrhage after preterm birth. It results initially from multiple small blood clots throughout the cerebrospinal fluid channels impeding circulation and reabsorption. Management is difficult and new treatment approaches are needed.

Figure 1

Cranial ultrasound (coronal view) showing enlarged ballooned ventricles (black) with blood clot (white) in the lumina. The ventricular width is measured from the midline to the lateral border.

Figure 2

Concentrations of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; first sample) of control infants and infants with posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD). From Whitelaw et al⁸ with permission.