The problematic slit ventricle syndrome. A review of the literature and proposed algorithm for treatment.

This review discusses the clinical difficulties with the so-called slit ventricle syndrome. It discusses why this terminology makes it difficult to formulate treatment algorithms. Slit ventricle syndrome should probably be known as the non-compliant ventricle syndrome to avoid confusion of radiological 'slit ventricles' with the syndrome. Therapeutic measures should ideally focus on the underlying pathology related to the syndrome. For those patients with iatrogenic small calvaria and synostosis, subtemporal decompression would appear a low-risk and quick procedure. Calvarial expansion would be a second-line treatment. For those patients with a normal-sized calvarium and non-compliant ventricle syndrome, valve upgrade, adding an antisiphon device or programmable valve would appear a good first step. For patients in whom the diagnosis is unclear, a potential management plan is discussed.