AIM & OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of incidence of hydrocephalus in various subgroups of pediatric age in a tertiary care centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in the department of Radio diagnosis, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur (C.G.) 50 consecutive cases of hydrocephalus in pediatric age group were evaluated. Cases with hydrocephalus confirmed by CT, from neonate to 14 years of age were included. Relevant investigations done. Relation of type of hydrocephalus and Age

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... oup was noted. RESULT: Out of 50 cases of hydrocephalus cases, 4%were neonate, 38% were under 6 months of age, 46% were under 1 year, and 78% were less than 5 years of age. Only 6% cases were above 10 year of age. The male to female ratio was 3:2. Maximum cases were of acquired type (62%) followed by congenital type (38%). In acquired type, infective lesions were predominant with 22 case (44%) and neoplastic were 9 cases (18%). Maximum cases (45.8%) in infective hydrocephalus were in 2-5yr age group. Maximum cases in neoplastic type were in 5-10yrs group. In congenital hydrocephalus maximum cases reported at 1-6 months age. Out of total 50 cases, 14 cases (28%) were of communicating type and 36 cases (72%) were non-communicating including 4 cases of dandy walker cyst. According to severity 24%mild, 50% moderate, and 26% severe type of hydrocephalus were found. CONCLUSION: Congenital hydrocephalus is prevalent in neonates and infants while hydrocephalus with acquired variety involves children of comparatively older age. Despite recent advances in imaging modalities, outcome remain uncertain which is affected by age groups and etiology of hydrocephalus.