Hyperdynamic pulsatile flow and ventricular dilation in experimental communicating hydrocephalus

Background In communicating hydrocephalus (CH), where either there is no obvious physical blockage within the subarachnoid space, or the obstruction can be variable in location, explanations for the symptoms and clear-cut effective treatments have been elusive. A few investigators have begun to stress the importance of pulsatile vascular and CSF dynamics. While it is known that pulsatile flow through the cerebral aqueduct is often significantly elevated in hydrocephalus, a clear link between abnormal pulsations and ventriculomegaly has been yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to characterize the temporal changes in intracranial pulsatility in a novel model of CH.