Alteration of circadian temperature rhythm with third ventricular obstruction

✓ Body temperature and endocrine function were studied in three hydrocephalic patients with tumors in the region of the hypothalamus. A circadian temperature rhythm was present under normal intraventricular pressure but was upset during elevated pressure. The results suggest that the absence of a circadian temperature rhythm in patients with third ventricular neoplasms indicates ventricular obstruction with consequent intracranial pressure and/or hydrocephalus. Conversely, the presence of a circadian temperature rhythm indicates that ventricular obstruction has not occurred or that a shunt system placed to bypass such an obstruction is functioning.