title: The role of different imaging modalities: is MRI a conditio sine qua non for ETV?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the different imaging modalities used for the diagnosis and classification of hydrocephalus, their role in defining the optimal treatment of hydrocephalus and to define the optimal preoperative diagnostics for endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy (ETV).
  
  
  METHODS
  An overview on available imaging modalities for hydrocephalus will be given and their pros and cons discussed. In addition, different aspects of the treatment of hydrocephalus by shunts and by ETV will be highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The role of the technical aspects of performing an ETV, the role of the surgeon's philosophy, the role of the urgency of the procedure, and the role of informed consent on the requirements for the imaging of the hydrocephalus will be discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The authors conclude that MRI is a conditio sine qua non for ETV in elective surgical cases.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgical Department, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e.vanlindert@nch.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Erik J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: van Lindert
authors.forename: Tjemme
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Beems
authors.forename: J André
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Grotenhuis
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000592:standards; D020542:Third Ventricle / Q000601:surgery*; D014696:Ventriculostomy