Objective To probe the mechanism of pathological changes of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Methods The evaluation of neurological status, serial CT scans and pathological examination were ap plied on the canine model of lVH. The ventricular volume and blood clot volume were measured based on the CT images. Results The normal adult canine ventricle tend to be slitlike. After injection, the ventricle was obviously dilated by the blood clot. The linear regression of ventricular volume against blood clot volume was significant in the first week. From then on, however, while the clots continued to shrink, the ventricular volume showed progressive enlargement. The clots were lysed completely within 3 to 4 weeks. The linear regression of the degree of ventricular dilatation against the first clot volume was also significant. In the pathological examination, we found the ependymal lining of ventricular system was destroyed and neurons in the subependymal areas developed acidophil necrosis, which was prominent around Sylvian aqueduct. Conclusion Hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation(HVD) is a prominent feature of IVH and also is a strong indicator for poor prognosis. lschemic changes of periventricular neurons in some important structures may be the most direct cause for poor outcome of IVH. It may be induced by periventricular vascular structures compressed by HVD, increased intracranial pressure ,cerebral vasospasm and others.