Valvography in the assessment of hydrocephalus shunt function in children.

Assessment of hydrocephalus shunt dysfunction, especially when partial, causes severe differential diagnostic problems. Ordinary computer assisted tomography gives only indirect information about shunt dynamics and the estimation of intraventricular pressure is vague. In a series of 50 valvographies, this examination proved to be especially valuable in the diagnosis of partial obstruction of the distal catheter. Valvography is also superior to other forms of examination in the localization of x-ray negative catheter types. In the slit ventricle syndrome valvography will reveal the position and function of ventricular catheters, which by other means would be impossible preoperatively.