Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is defined as the eruption of blood in the cerebroventricular system and occurs mostly secondary to intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in adults. Hydrocephalus is a severe complication of IVH that can serve as an independent predictor of increased mortality. In this mini-review, we focus on the mechanisms of hydrocephalus after adult IVH, including blood-clot blockage, barrier impairment, inflammation and blood components, and attempt to reconcile the current research findings into a unified framework. We expect our theoretical framework to help guide future clinical and basic research leading to improved monitoring and intervention for IVH and subsequent hydrocephalus.
Keywords: Brain; Hemorrhage; Hydrocephalus; Inflammation; Ventricle.