Which term describes abnormal accumulation of CSF in the cranial vault?

Which term describes abnormal accumulation of CSF in the cranial vault?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Meningitis
• C. Encephalopathy
• D. Dandy-Walker

Answer: (A)

Abnormal accumulation of CSF in the cranial vault is hydrocephalus. CSF normally circulates through the ventricles and around the brain, then is absorbed into the venous system. When drainage is blocked or absorption is impaired (or CSF is overproduced, though that’s rare), CSF builds up in the ventricles, causing them to enlarge and increasing intracranial pressure. In infants, this frequently shows as an enlarging head circumference or a bulging fontanelle, along with irritability and poor feeding; in older individuals, headaches, nausea, and cognitive or gait changes can occur. In the setting of neural tube defects like myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus is a common associated condition due to hindbrain and ventricular system involvement, making timely recognition important for management (such as shunting or other interventions). Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, not a CSF buildup. Encephalopathy refers to diffuse brain dysfunction from various causes, not specifically CSF accumulation. Dandy-Walker describes a distinct congenital malformation with cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle and an enlarged posterior fossa, which can be associated with hydrocephalus but is not the general term for CSF buildup.

Abnormal accumulation of CSF in the cranial vault is hydrocephalus. CSF normally circulates through the ventricles and around the brain, then is absorbed into the venous system. When drainage is blocked or absorption is impaired (or CSF is overproduced, though that’s rare), CSF builds up in the ventricles, causing them to enlarge and increasing intracranial pressure. In infants, this frequently shows as an enlarging head circumference or a bulging fontanelle, along with irritability and poor feeding; in older individuals, headaches, nausea, and cognitive or gait changes can occur. In the setting of neural tube defects like myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus is a common associated condition due to hindbrain and ventricular system involvement, making timely recognition important for management (such as shunting or other interventions).

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, not a CSF buildup. Encephalopathy refers to diffuse brain dysfunction from various causes, not specifically CSF accumulation. Dandy-Walker describes a distinct congenital malformation with cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle and an enlarged posterior fossa, which can be associated with hydrocephalus but is not the general term for CSF buildup.