A 5-month-old male infant is brought to the physician by his parents for the evaluation of progressive enlargement of his head circumference. The patient was born at term by a lower segment transverse cesarean section because of a transverse lie. He has met all developmental milestones. His immunizations are up-to-date. The patient is at the 50th percentile for length, 50th percentile for weight, and 95th percentile for head circumference. He appears well-nourished. CT scan of the head reveals significant dilation of the lateral ventricles. If this condition is left uncorrected, which of the following is the most likely complication that will be seen in this patient?

Question

A 5-month-old male infant is brought to the physician by his parents for the evaluation of progressive enlargement of his head circumference. The patient was born at term by a lower segment transverse cesarean section because of a transverse lie. He has met all developmental milestones. His immunizations are up-to-date. The patient is at the 50th percentile for length, 50th percentile for weight, and 95th percentile for head circumference. He appears well-nourished. CT scan of the head reveals significant dilation of the lateral ventricles.  If this condition is left uncorrected, which of the following is the most likely complication that will be seen in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Hydrocephalus in infants presents with macrocephaly and poor feeding.  Imaging studies showing enlarged ventricles are characteristic.  Untreated hydrocephalus leads to spasticity due to stretching of the periventricular pyramidal tracts, developmental delays, and seizures.

A 5-Month-Old Male Infant Is Brought to the Physician by His