Isotope cisternography and ventriculography in congenital anomalies of the central nervous system.

The author discusses the value of isotope cisternography and ventriculography in the diagnosis of a variety of congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with either hydrocephalus or a disturbance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and absorption. In sincipital encephaloceles the techniques demonstrate CSF communication with the anomalous sac and the frequently associated hydrocephalus with occipital lesions. In porencephaly and cerebral agenesis, the isotope demonstrates ventricular reflux and remains in the cystic dilatation indicating abnormal CSF absorption; isotope ventriculography also reveals a delayed CSF absorption and the possible sites of CSF obstruction in Arnold-Chiari malformations and Dandy-Walker syndrome. In addition to their differential diagnostic value isotope studies can be a helpful guide in the choice of the proper surgical treatment of some CNS anomalies.