Mechanisms of hydrocephalus after intraventricular haemorrhage in adults

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.