Terminal ventricle
The terminal ventricle (ventriculus terminalis, or fifth ventricle) is widest part of the central canal of the spinal cord that is located at or near the conus medullaris.[1] It was described by Stilling in 1859 and Krause in 1875.[2] Krause introduced the term fifth ventricle after observation of normal ependymal cells.[2] The central canal expands as a fusiform terminal ventricle, and approximately 8–10 mm in length in the conus medullaris (or conus terminalis).[3] Although the terminal ventricle is visible in the fetus and children, but is usually absent in adults.[1]
Detection and Diagnosis
Sometimes, the terminal ventricle is observed by MRI or Sonography in children less than 5 years old.[4] An MRI scan can be particularly helpful in its detection.
In pathological conditions, an MRI is usefulat at the level of the conus medullaris that findings may be related to the following:
- Spina bifida
- Arnold-Chiari syndrome
- Tumors of the conus medullaris
- Myelomeningocele
- Syringomyelia
- Hydromyelia. In hydromyelia, a dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord is caused by an increase of cerebrospinal fluid.[5]
- Syringohydromyelia (i.e., both Syringomyelia and Hydromyelia)[5]
- Tethered cord
In some cases, the terminal ventricle may cause clinical symptoms due to its expansion.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "ventriculus terminalis".
|first1=missing|last1=in Authors list (help) - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Liccardo G, Ruggeri F, De Cerchio L, Floris R, Lunardi P (June 2005). "Fifth ventricle: an unusual cystic lesion of the conus medullaris". Spinal Cord 43 (6): 381–4. doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101712. PMID 15655569.
- ↑ Williams & Warwick. Gray's Anatomy .THIRTY-SEVENTH EDITION.ISBN 0 443 04177 6
- ↑ Celli P, D'Andrea G, Trillò G, Roperto R, Acqui M, Ferrante L (March 2002). "Cyst of the medullary conus: malformative persistence of terminal ventricle or compressive dilatation?". Neurosurgical Review 25 (1-2): 103–6. doi:10.1007/s10143-001-0203-8. PMID 11954762.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "imaging in syringohydromyelia".
|first1=missing|last1=in Authors list (help)
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