Hydrocephalus following toxoplasmosis.

Between 1966-1983 ten children with hydrocephalus following toxoplasmosis were shunted. Hydrocephalus was diagnosed at ages ranging from birth to one year. Except for one with stenosis of the foramen of Monro all had aqueductal obstruction. A high ventricular fluid pressure and distinct cerebral mantle reduction were always present. Intracerebral calcifications were common. Only 1 had normal eyes. All 9 survivors remained shunt dependent during a mean follow-up period of 9.6 years. One fifth of revisions were related to problems specific for toxoplasma-associated hydrocephalus. A temporary external ventricular drainage or a multiple shunt system were found useful in some cases. Two thirds of the children had a reasonable outcome. Neonatal hydrocephalus, extensive intracerebral calcification and severe ocular involvement were poor prognostic indicators.