Contrast Enhancement of the CSF System in Children With Hydrocephalus

This study investigates the diagnostic and clinical significance of contrast-enhanced examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system in children with hydrocephalus. The research is based on the analysis of 40 pediatric patients aged from 15 days to 15 years, examined using multislice computed tomography (MSCT), including ventriculography, cisternography, and cystography .
The methodology involved the use of contrast agents (Omnipaque 300/350 and Visipaque 270) with age-dependent dosages ranging from 2.5 ml to 7.5 ml, as well as advanced imaging modes such as tissue window, bone window, and 3D reconstruction. The study revealed that contrast-enhanced MSCT provides precise visualization of the morphofunctional structure of intracranial CSF spaces, allowing differentiation between isolated and communicating cavities, as well as accurate identification of intracranial cysts. The results demonstrated that in 17.7% of pediatric hydrocephalus cases, additional contrast studies were necessary to clarify the diagnosis and determine optimal surgical strategies. The obtained findings highlight the critical role of MSCT-based contrast diagnostics in improving preoperative planning, reducing diagnostic errors, and enhancing the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions.