Hydrocephalus due to diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus

Diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus (DVHCP) that causes hydrocephalus by overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid is a very rare lesion and difficult to diagnose initially. We present a male infant who was diagnosed with communicating hydrocephalus at 16 months of age and treated initially by ventriculoperitoneal shunt. In the postoperative course, he developed massive ascites. Magnetic resonance imaging obtained after the operation revealed DVHCP. Resection of the choroid plexus of the left lateral ventricle was performed, and postoperatively, his ascites was resolved. We review the literature and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this rare entity. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.