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 useful at the level of the conus medullaris. Findings may be related to the following:

In some cases, the terminal ventricle may cause clinical symptoms due to its expansion.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "ventriculus terminalis". |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  2. 1 2 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.
  3. ↑ Williams & Warwick. Gray's Anatomy .THIRTY-SEVENTH EDITION.ISBN 0 443 04177 6
  4. ↑ 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. 1 2 "imaging in syringohydromyelia". |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
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