Shunt-independent arrest of hydrocephalus

Abstract

✓ Between 1959 and 1970, 202 infants were treated for progressive hydrocephalus by means of an atrial (Holter) shunt. Of these, 127 are still alive; in 34 the shunt had been removed and the patients proved to be compensated and shunt-independent. Etiology, initial air studies, ventricular size, and psychological studies of these 34 compensated patients were reviewed in a search for a common factor, but none was determined. Half of these compensated children had communicating, and half obstructive, hydrocephalus. Compensation occurred equally in children with large and small ventricles.