ventricolomegalia

Ventricolomegalia is a rarely used term that refers to enlargement of a ventricular chamber. In practice, the more common term for brain-related dilation is ventriculomegaly, whereas the word ventricolomegalia may be encountered as a nonstandard or synonymous designation in some texts. The term is not widely recognized as a distinct clinical entity on its own.

The most frequently involved site is the cerebral ventricular system. Enlargement can result from hydrocephalus (obstructive or communicating) or from brain tissue loss that leads to ex-vacuo dilation of the ventricles. Less commonly, other ventricular structures could be described as enlarged in specific contexts, but this usage is not standard in clinical medicine.

Clinical presentation depends on the underlying cause and the patient’s age. Infants with enlarged brain ventricles may show macrocephaly or a rapidly increasing head size, while older children and adults may experience headaches, cognitive or gait disturbances, nausea, or papilledema if intracranial pressure is elevated. Some cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging.

Diagnosis relies primarily on imaging. MRI and CT are used to measure ventricular size and to assess for causes such as hydrocephalus, mass effect, hemorrhage, or infection. Quantitative metrics (eg, Evans index and other ventricular measurements) help classify severity and guide management.

Management focuses on treating the underlying cause. In hydrocephalus, options include temporary or permanent CSF diversion (shunting) or endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Monitoring, addressing infections or hemorrhages, and rehabilitative care are components of care. Prognosis varies with age, etiology, and treatment timeliness.