Clinical Aspects of Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Primary intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) refers to bleeding directly into the ventricular system. Secondary IVH occurs more frequently and refers to bleeding extending from the parenchyma or subarachnoid space into the ventricular chambers. Aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, trauma, and tumors are common causes of IVH. Premature infants and those with low birth weight may develop germinal matrix IVH. IVH may result in obstructive hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure that may be associated with significant morbidity or mortality and requires emergent treatment with external ventricular drainage and intraventricular thrombolysis. IVH is a proven risk factor of increased mortality and poor functional outcome. Prognosis of patients who develop IVH is variable, extending from a good functional recovery to very poor outcomes and death and is related to the amount of blood within the ventricles and involvement of the third and fourth ventricles.

Duke Scholars

Author David Hasan Neurosurgery