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Disease Profile

Congenital hydrocephalus

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

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ICD-10

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Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Categories

Congenital and Genetic Diseases

Summary

Congenital hydrocephalus is when a child is born with an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This excess fluid causes an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles (ventriculomegalia) and can create a harmful pressure on brain tissue.[1] Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary and may include an unusually large head with thin, transparent scalp, bulging forehead with increased spaces between the bones of the skull (fontanelles), and a downward gaze. Other symptoms may include seizures, abnormal reflexes, slow heartbeat and respiratory rate, headaches, vomiting, irritability, weakness, and visual problems.[1][2][3]

It is caused by genetic and non-genetic factors. The most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus are variations (mutations) in the L1CAM gene, where there is a narrow passageway between the third and fourth ventricles (aqueductal stenosis). Other causes include mutations in many other genes, brain and/or spinal cord malformations, infections, bleeding inside the cavities of the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage), trauma, exposition to certain drugs (teratogens) or a congenital tumor of the brain.[1][3] Congenital hydrocephalus can be an isolated malformation or be part of a syndrome where there are other associated malformations.[1] It is most often treated by surgically inserting a shunt system to transport the excess CSF and allow for re-absorption. If left untreated, blindness and continuing mental deterioration may occur.[1][2][3] 

Hydrocephalus may be subdivided according to the particular defect that exists in the brain and whether the cerebrospinal fluid pressure is high or normal:[1][4]

  • Communicating hydrocephalus is when there is no blockage (obstruction) in the ventricules but the fluid is not absorbed readily, or there is too much fluid to be absorbed. 
  • Noncommunicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus is when there is a blockage of the CSF causing widening (dilation) of the pathways that are located upstream of the block, resulting in an increased pressure inside the brain. 

There are also 2 other forms of hydrocephalus that usually affect only adults:[1][4]

  • Normal-pressure hydrocephalus is where the ventricules are expanded but the pressure inside the nervous system is normal. 
  • Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo occurs when stroke or traumatic injury cause damage to the brain and the brain tissue may shrink. 

Hydrocephalus may also be classified in congenital or acquired. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or at some point afterward and may be caused by injury or disease.[1][5]

Symptoms

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Hydrocephalus
Too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
0000238
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Bulbous nose
0000414
Colpocephaly
0030048
Downslanted palpebral fissures
Downward slanting of the opening between the eyelids
0000494
Facial asymmetry
Asymmetry of face
Crooked face
Unsymmetrical face

[ more ]

 0000324
Frontal bossing
0002007
Intellectual disability
Mental deficiency
Mental retardation
Mental retardation, nonspecific
Mental-retardation

[ more ]

 0001249
Iris coloboma
Cat eye
0000612
Macrocephaly
Increased size of skull
Large head
Large head circumference

[ more ]

 0000256
Motor delay
0001270
Posteriorly rotated ears
Ears rotated toward back of head
0000358
Seizure
0001250
Small cerebral cortex
0002472
Strabismus
Cross-eyed
Squint
Squint eyes

[ more ]

 0000486
Ventriculomegaly
0002119
1%-4% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal heart morphology
Abnormality of the heart
Abnormally shaped heart
Heart defect

[ more ]

 0001627
Lissencephaly
Fewer or absent grooves in brain
0001339
Macular hypoplasia
0001104
Optic atrophy
0000648
Sensorineural hearing impairment
0000407
Do you have updated information on this disease? We want to hear from you.

Organizations

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

    Learn more

    These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

    Where to Start

      In-Depth Information

      • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
      • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
      • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
      • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Congenital hydrocephalus. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

        References

        1. Hydrocephalus Fact Sheet. NINDS. April 5, 2016; https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hydrocephalus/detail_hydrocephalus.htm.
        2. Hydrocephalus. MedlinePlus. 6/13/2016; https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hydrocephalus.html.
        3. Haridas A & Tomita T. Hydrocephalus in children: Physiology, pathogenesis, and etiology. UpToDate. January 8, 2018; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hydrocephalus-in-children-physiology-pathogenesis-and-etiology.
        4. Hydrocephalus. National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD). 2007; https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hydrocephalus/.
        5. treatment of hydrocephalus. National Hydrocephalus Foundation. 2014; https://nhfonline.org/treatment-of-hydrocephalus.htm.