Subdural haematoma (effusion) and internal hydrocephalus

Abstract

It is unusual to encounter a case where subdural haematoma (effusion and internal hydrocephalus coexist and are progressive. Often, when the two diseases are concomitantly present, the pathology of one complicated the other. The pathology of subdural haematoma (effusion), complicated by internal hydrocephalus, and problems involved in the diagnosis and treatment of such cases are described, with particular reference to three such cases treated by the authors, and a review of the literature. When cerebral angiography is used as a follow-up study for postoperative subdural haematoma (effusion), it is necessary to direct attention not only to the disappearance of the subdural clear space but also to the possibility of the occurrence of hydrocephalus. If the intracranial pressure is increased and convulsive seizures appear after a shunting operation for hydrocephalus, it is necessary to consider not only shunt dysfunction but also post-shunt subdural haematoma (effusion).