Neurosurgery
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Contrast extravasation on computed tomography angiography (CTA) is becoming more common, with increasing use of CTA for myriad intracranial vascular pathologies. This article describes the first 2 documented cases of contrast extravasation from a nonaneurysmal basilar artery source seen on CTA and discusses possible pathophysiologic mechanisms. ⋯ Because of the frequent use of CTA, contrast extravasation is an increasingly common observation. Physicians should be aware that basilar artery extravasation can mimic the appearance of an aneurysm.
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The mechanisms of hydrocephalus formation remain unclear. ⋯ The observation that very small forces applied exogenously or endogenously (through pulsatile brain micromotions) cause progressive intracranial deformation suggests that the brain behaves in a poroviscoelastic manner. Intracranial pulsatility is increased during the early phases of ventriculomegaly. Small viscoelastic property changes of the intracranial contents accompany the ventriculomegaly. Consolidation of brain tissue by the pulsatile forces likely occurs through displacement of intraparenchymal fluids.