Hydrocephalus in Achondroplasia Patients

Achondroplasia is the cause of the most common type of dwarfism and is characterized by abnormally short stature with short arms and legs as well as an enlarged head. It is suggested that hydrocephalus in patients is related to stenosis of the sigmoid sinus. This results in a rise in intracranial venous pressure. The increased venous pressure impairs the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. The build up of CSF in the brain results in hydrocephalus. This can be seen on MR venography.