Slit ventricle

Despite many articles on slit ventricle syndrome (SVS), accepted terminology regarding the definition of this condition is lacking. Any shunted individual with a severe headache disorder in the context of ventricles that are normal or smaller than normal can be said to suffer from SVS.

Seen in < 12 % of all shunted patients.

Overshunting.

Fourth ventricle hydrocephalus.

Some patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, have slit -like ventricles with consistently elevated ICP.

There are different pathophysiologies that are involved in the process.

These pathologies are defined by intracranial pressure measurement.

Refers to complete collapse of the ventricles.

In a survey a frontal occipital horn ratio < 0,2 was most often interpreted as representing slit ventricle syndrome ¹⁾.

see Slit ventricle syndrome.

The shunt valve fills slowly if pumped when the ventricles are collapsed.

For headache consistent with migraine that are not postural, a trial with migraine-specific medications is warranted.

see Idiopathic intracranial hypertension treatment.

see Slit ventricle treatment.

Five patients with this syndrome were treated with antisiphon devices, high pressure shunts, or subtemporal decompression, but continued to be symptomatic. Third ventriculostomy, performed as a last resort in these patients, gave encouraging results ²⁾.

Pre- and post craniectomy ventricular areas were measured from computed tomography scans with a computer digitizing technique in three patients with this syndrome who had undergone four surgical procedures. All patients improved symptomatically following craniectomy. A significant decrease in total ventricular area was noted in all instances. The results suggest that subtemporal craniectomy causes the ventricles to become smaller, not larger ³⁾.