Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Ventricular Abnormalities
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Hydrocephalus: This condition is characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain, leading to enlarged ventricles. It is a common cause of bilateral ventricular enlargement and can result from various etiologies, including obstructive hydrocephalus, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or communicating hydrocephalus.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cerebral atrophy: This condition involves the loss of brain cells and tissue, which can lead to the enlargement of the ventricles. It can be due to various causes, including aging, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), or prior brain injuries.
- Ventricular dilation due to cerebral edema: Cerebral edema can cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to ventricular dilation. This can be due to various causes, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Obstructive hydrocephalus due to a colloid cyst or other third ventricular mass: These lesions can obstruct the flow of CSF, leading to acute hydrocephalus, which is a medical emergency.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although not directly causing ventricular dilation, subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to hydrocephalus and ventricular enlargement due to blood accumulation in the subarachnoid space.
- Rare diagnoses
- Dandy-Walker malformation: A rare congenital disorder characterized by hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle, and hydrocephalus.
- Neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Huntington's disease): Certain neurodegenerative disorders can cause cerebral atrophy and ventricular enlargement, although these are less common causes.