Sylvian aqueduct syndrome and global rostral midbrain dysfunction associated with shunt malfunction

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Cinalli ◽  
Christian Sainte-Rose ◽  
Isabelle Simon ◽  
Guillaume Lot ◽  
Spiros Sgouros
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Shunt Malfunction ◽  
Shunt Revision ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Upward Gaze Palsy ◽  
Ocular Signs ◽  
Gaze Palsy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. This study is a retrospective analysis of clinical data obtained in 28 patients affected by obstructive hydrocephalus who presented with signs of midbrain dysfunction during episodes of shunt malfunction.Methods. All patients presented with an upward gaze palsy, sometimes associated with other signs of oculomotor dysfunction. In seven cases the ocular signs remained isolated and resolved rapidly after shunt revision. In 21 cases the ocular signs were variably associated with other clinical manifestations such as pyramidal and extrapyramidal deficits, memory disturbances, mutism, or alterations in consciousness. Resolution of these symptoms after shunt revision was usually slow. In four cases a transient paradoxical aggravation was observed at the time of shunt revision. In 11 cases ventriculocisternostomy allowed resolution of the symptoms and withdrawal of the shunt.Simultaneous supratentorial and infratentorial intracranial pressure recordings performed in seven of the patients showed a pressure gradient between the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments, with a higher supratentorial pressure before shunt revision. Inversion of this pressure gradient was observed after shunt revision and resolution of the gradient was observed in one case after third ventriculostomy. In six recent cases, a focal midbrain hyperintensity was evidenced on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences at the time of shunt malfunction. This rapidly resolved after the patient underwent third ventriculostomy.Conclusions. It is probable that in obstructive hydrocephalus, at the time of shunt malfunction, the development of a transtentorial pressure gradient could initially induce a functional impairment of the upper midbrain, inducing upward gaze palsy. The persistence of the gradient could lead to a global dysfunction of the upper midbrain. Third ventriculostomy contributes to equalization of cerebrospinal fluid pressure across the tentorium by restoring free communication between the infratentorial and supratentorial compartments, resulting in resolution of the patient's clinical symptoms.

scholarly journals Sylvian aqueduct syndrome and global rostral midbrain dysfunction associated with shunt malfunction

1998 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. E2
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Cinalli ◽  
Christian Sainte-Rose ◽  
Isabelle Simon ◽  
Guillaume Lot ◽  
Spiros Sgouros
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Shunt Malfunction ◽  
Shunt Revision ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Upward Gaze Palsy ◽  
Ocular Signs ◽  
Gaze Palsy

Object This study is a retrospective analysis of clinical data obtained in 28 patients affected by obstructive hydrocephalus who presented with signs of midbrain dysfunction during episodes of shunt malfunction. Methods All patients presented with an upward gaze palsy, sometimes associated with other signs of oculomotor dysfunction. In seven cases the ocular signs remained isolated and resolved rapidly after shunt revision. In 21 cases the ocular signs were variably associated with other clinical manifestations such as pyramidal and extrapyramidal deficits, memory disturbances, mutism, or alterations in consciousness. Resolution of these symptoms after shunt revision was usually slow. In four cases a transient paradoxical aggravation was observed at the time of shunt revision. In 11 cases ventriculocisternostomy allowed resolution of the symptoms and withdrawal of the shunt. Simultaneous supratentorial and infratentorial intracranial pressure recordings performed in seven of the patients showed a pressure gradient between the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments with a higher supratentorial pressure before shunt revision. Inversion of this pressure gradient was observed after shunt revision and resolution of the gradient was observed in one case after third ventriculostomy. In six recent cases, a focal midbrain hyperintensity was evidenced on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences at the time of shunt malfunction. This rapidly resolved after the patient underwent third ventriculostomy. It is probable that in obstructive hydrocephalus at the time of shunt malfunction, the development of a transtentorial pressure gradient could initially induce a functional impairment of the upper midbrain, inducing upward gaze palsy. The persistence of the gradient could lead to a global dysfunction of the upper midbrain. Conclusions Third ventriculostomy contributes to equalization of cerebrospinal fluid pressure across the tentorium by restoring free communication between the infratentorial and supratentorial compartments, resulting in resolution of the patient's clinical symptoms.

Significance of upward gaze palsy (Parinaud's syndrome) in hydrocephalus due to shunt malfunction

1973 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 717-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald F. Shallat ◽  
Ronald P. Pawl ◽  
Michael J. Jerva
Keyword(s):  
Shunt Malfunction ◽  
Reliable Indicator ◽  
Intraventricular Pressure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Parinaud’S Syndrome ◽  
Upward Gaze Palsy ◽  
Ocular Signs ◽  
Gaze Palsy ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Several cases are presented in which Parinaud's syndrome or upward gaze palsies were associated with hydrocephalus due to non-neoplastic aqueductal occlusion. In some of these cases the ocular signs proved to be an early and reliable indicator of increased intraventricular pressure due to shunt malfunction. The possible mechanisms by which this phenomenon occurs are discussed. The importance of differentiating such cases from those of neoplastic origin and the value of third ventriculography are stressed.

Neuroepithelial (colloid) cyst of the third ventricle in identical twins

1986 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdel Wahab M. Ibrahim ◽  
Hisham Farag ◽  
Mohammed Naguib ◽  
Ezzeldin Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Colloid Cyst ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Colloid Cysts ◽  
Fluid Pathway ◽  
Ocular Signs ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are described in middle-aged twin brothers. One of them presented with recurrent attacks of headache. In this patient the cyst had reached a size large enough to obstruct the cerebrospinal fluid pathway, resulting in hydrocephalus. The twin brother, although asymptomatic, was suspected of the anomaly and investigated because of the similarity of his ocular signs. The diagnosis was confirmed by computerized tomography in both the patient and his brother. The latter proved to have a smaller colloid cyst situated anteriorly in the third ventricle with no obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient was successfully operated on, while the brother is still under observation. Both brothers have had bilateral cataracts, retinal detachments, and left lateral rectus palsies. The familial occurrence of colloid cysts and their association with these ocular findings have apparently not been described before.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for shunt dysfunction in occlusive hydrocephalus: long-term follow up and review

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 1032-1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Boschert ◽  
Dieter Hellwig ◽  
Joachim K. Krauss
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
The Other ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shunt Placement ◽  
Occlusive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Shunt Dysfunction ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the treatment of choice for occlusive (noncommunicating) hydrocephalus. Nevertheless, its routine use in patients who have previously undergone shunt placement is still not generally accepted. The authors' aim was to investigate the long-term effects of ETV in a group of prospectively chosen patients. Methods. Patients who underwent ETV and had previously undergone shunt placement for occlusive hydrocephalus were followed prospectively for at least 3 years (range 36–103 months, mean 63.6 months). Nine female and eight male patients ranging from 8 to 54 years of age (mean 32 years) had undergone shunt placement 0.7 to 23.5 years (mean 8.1 years) before ETV. Fifteen patients were admitted with underdrainage and two with overdrainage. In six cases, ETV was performed as an emergency operation. The origin of hydrocephalus was aqueductal stenosis in 12 cases and aqueductal compression by a tumor in two cases. Three patients suffered from a fourth ventricle outlet syndrome, and in two patients an additional malresorptive component was suspected. Thirteen patients underwent ETV with shunt removal and insertion of an external drain in one session. The drain served as a safety measure; it could be opened if raised intracranial pressure or ventricular dilation was observed on postoperative imaging studies. In the other four patients the shunt was initially ligated and then removed during a second operation. Fourteen patients (82%) have remained shunt free. The other three patients, including the two with an additional malresorptive component, needed shunt reimplantation 3 days, 2 weeks, or 7 months after ETV. Conclusions. Use of ETV is safe and effective for the treatment for shunt dysfunction in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.

Fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage after endoscopic third ventriculostomy

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry W. S. Schroeder ◽  
Rolf W. Warzok ◽  
Jamal A. Assaf ◽  
Michael R. Gaab
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Balloon Catheter ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tomography Scanning ◽  
Fine Print

✓ In recent years, endoscopic third ventriculostomy has become a well-established procedure for the treatment of various forms of noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is considered to be an easy and safe procedure. Complications have rarely been reported in the literature. The authors present a case in which the patient suffered a fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after endoscopic third ventriculostomy.This 63-year-old man presented with confusion and drowsiness and was admitted in to the hospital in poor general condition. Computerized tomography scanning revealed an obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a tumor located in the cerebellopontine angle. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed with the aid of a Fogarty balloon catheter. Some hours postoperatively, the patient became comatose. Computerized tomography scanning revealed a severe perimesencephalic—peripontine SAH and progressive hydrocephalus. Despite emergency external ventricular drainage, the patient died a few hours later.Although endoscopic third ventriculostomy is considered to be a simple and safe procedure, one should be aware that severe and sometimes fatal complications may occur. To avoid vascular injury, perforation of the floor of the third ventricle should be performed in the midline, halfway between the infundibular recess and the mammillary bodies, just behind the dorsum sellae.

Isolated fourth ventricle as a complication of ventricular shunting

1978 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 910-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Hawkins ◽  
Harold J. Hoffman ◽  
Robin P. Humphreys
Keyword(s):  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Fourth Ventricle ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Shunt Malfunction ◽  
Cerebellar Dysfunction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Isolated Fourth Ventricle ◽  
Ventricular Shunting ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Signs of cerebellar dysfunction combined with signs suggestive of shunt malfunction developed in three children with obstructive hydrocephalus. Shunt function was normal. In all cases, the cerebellar signs persisted and computerized tomography scans revealed enlargement of the fourth ventricle. Shunting of the fourth ventricle returned the patients to normal function.

scholarly journals Shunt malfunction and endoscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1(January-April)) ◽  
pp. e792021
Author(s):  
Bermans Iskandar ◽  
Ricardo de Amoreira Gepp
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Pediatric Neurosurgery ◽  
Shunt Malfunction ◽  
Surrounding Tissue ◽  
Shunt Revision ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Ventricular Catheter ◽  
Ventricular Wall ◽  
Optimal Position ◽  
Slit Ventricle Syndrome

Objective:   Hydrocephalus is the most common neurological disease in pediatric neurosurgery.(1) The CSF shunts remains as the most common treatment choice for nonobstructive hydrocephalus worldwide, but shunt complications still the most common neurosurgical problem, especially in pediatric neurosurgery. Endoscopy and shunts are the way to treat hydrocephalus. Especially third ventriculostomy is the most effective treatment to obstructive hydrocephalus but shunt still the most important way to treat.(2, 3) Shunt malfunction is frequent and after so many years this is very important problem to the patients. Ventricular problem due to obstruction is responsible up to 72% of shunt problems.(4) The Shunt Trial Study showed that the overall shunt survival was 62% at 1 year, 52% at 2 years, 46% at 3 years, 41% at 4 years. The survival curves for the 3 differents valves were similar to those from the original trial and did not show a survival advantage for any particular valve.(5, 6) We still don´t have one perfect solution to hydrocephalus and shunt malfunction. The major author described his experience in use endoscopy to evaluate and treat shunt malfunction and one new approach and way to evaluate this problem.   Results/Discussion: The literature review was performed, and we found 84 articles when we used the keywords. Endoscopy has been one important way to treat and solve shunt problems. In obstructive hydrocephalus third ventriculostomy is the best way to treat these patients.(1-3) The major author first described goals of endoscopy. First goal is safe catheter removal in surgical review, avoiding bleeding when removing catheter addressing all the adhesions on catheter. Second goal is put in optimal position the new catheter with pure endoscopy view or using neuronavigation systems that could help the endoscope system.(7, 8)   Optimal new catheter placement and optimal long-term catheter survival are especially important because most of the problems are due to ventricular problems. These good placements could avoid loculations and ventricular collapse with ependymal problems. Avoid new catheter malpositiitioning, you can use the endoscope to follow the old tract to insert the new catheter in one good position avoiding choroid plexus. Another situation is when you have small ventricles especially in slit ventricle syndrome.   The major author has been studied some causes to ventricular catheter obstruction. He noticed after some surgical reviews some ventricular ependymal inside catheter. Ventricular ependymal protrusions inside the catheter could cause intermittent occlusion.(8) Some endoscope views showed these protrusion and ependymal changes after intermittent increase and decrease of ventricular pressure. These protrusions correspond to catheter holes a secondary to suction. These protrusions could stuck in the holes in chronicle suction.(8) The major author reported one endoscopic evidence of overdrainage-related ventricular tissue protrusions that cause partial or complete obstruction of the ventricular catheter. He did a retrospective review in fifty patients underwent 83 endoscopic shunt revision procedures that revealed in-growth of ventricular wall tissue into the catheter tip orifices (ependymal bands), producing partial, complete, or intermittent shunt obstructions. Endoscopic ventricular explorations revealed ependymal bands at various stages of development, which appear to form secondarily to siphoning.(8) How to minimize this overshunting? Anti siphon systems could help and decrease proximal shunt malfunction in some complex patients. The other problem is ventricular bleeding. The use of endoscope has been important tool to remove ventricular catheters, when you could see the adhesions.(9) The use the endoscope could be particularly important to open loculations and cysts avoiding ventricular entrapment. Patients with ventricular cysts could need more than one catheter. The use of endoscopy to fenestrate the cyst could keep the patient with one catheter or without any shunt system.(10, 11)   Conclusion: Shunt malfunction has a lot of possible causes, but a probably ventricular catheter problem is the most common situation. Choose appropriate endoscope rigid or flexible for each case could help to treat and avoid some of ventricular. Endoscopy could be one important tool to help the surgeon to understand and solve this dangerous situation to the patient. Ventricular wall protrusions are a significant cause of proximal shunt obstruction, and they appear to be caused by siphoning of surrounding tissue into the ventricular catheter orifices.

Use of a simple intraoperative hydrostatic pressure test to assess the relationship between mobility of the ventricular stoma and success of third ventriculostomy

2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 848-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Hamdy Kamel ◽  
Michael Kelleher ◽  
Kristian Aquilina ◽  
Chris Lim ◽  
John Caird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ventricular Reservoir ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Neuroendoscopists often note pulsatility or flabbiness of the floor of the third ventricle during endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and believe that either is a good indication of the procedure's success. Note, however, that this belief has never been objectively measured or proven in a prospective study. The authors report on a simple test—the hydrostatic test—to assess the mobility of the floor of the third ventricle and confirm adequate ventricular flow. They also analyzed the relationship between a mobile floor (a positive hydrostatic test) and prospective success of ETV. Methods. During a period of 3 years between July 2001 and July 2004, 30 ETVs for obstructive hydrocephalus were performed in 22 male and eight female patients. Once the stoma had been created, the irrigating Ringer lactate solution was set at a 30-cm height from the external auditory meatus, and the irrigation valve was opened while the other ports on the endoscope were closed. The ventricular floor ballooned downward and stabilized. The irrigation valve was then closed and ports of the endoscope were opened. The magnitude of the upward displacement of the floor was then assessed. Funneling of the stoma was deemed to be a good indicator of floor mobility, adequate flow, and a positive hydrostatic test. All endoscopic procedures were recorded using digital video and recordings were subsequently assessed separately by two blinded experienced neuroendoscopists. Patients underwent prospective clinical follow up during a mean period of 11.2 months (range 1 month–3 years), computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain, and measurements of cerebrospinal fluid pressure through a ventricular reservoir when present. Failure of ETV was defined as the subsequent need for shunt implantation. The overall success rate of the ETV was 70% and varied from 86.9% in patients with a mobile stoma and a positive hydrostatic test to only 14.2% in patients with a poorly mobile floor and a negative test (p < 0.05). The positive predictive value of the hydrostatic test was 86.9%, negative predictive value 85.7%, sensitivity 95.2%, and specificity 66.6%. Conclusions. The authors concluded that the hydrostatic test is an easy, brief test. A positive test result confirms a mobile ventricular floor and adequate flow through the created ventriculostomy. Mobility of the stoma is an important predictor of ETV success provided that there is no obstruction at the level of the arachnoid granulations or venous outflow. A thin, redundant, mobile third ventricle floor indicates a longstanding pressure differential between the third ventricle and the basal cisterns, which is a crucial factor for ETV success. A positive hydrostatic test may avert the need to insert a ventricular reservoir, thus avoiding associated risks of infection.

Tuberculoma mimicking a pinealoma

1983 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 875-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian R. Whittle ◽  
John L. Allsop ◽  
Michael Besser
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Pineal Region ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Antituberculous Therapy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pineal Region Tumors ◽  
Serial Ct ◽  
Cerebral Tuberculoma ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Computerized tomography (CT) revealed obstructive hydrocephalus and a pineal mass in a 14-year-old girl who presented with headaches and a Parinaud's syndrome. Although there was no major evidence of extracranial tuberculosis, and cerebrospinal fluid obtained during third ventriculostomy contained no leukocytes, suboccipital transtentorial biopsy of the lesion revealed it to be a tuberculoma. Serial CT scans showed resolution of the lesion following subtotal resection and antituberculous therapy. The implications of this case with regard to difficulties in the diagnosis of cerebral tuberculoma and the management of pineal region tumors are discussed.

Perimesencephalic cistern obliteration: a CT sign of life-threatening shunt failure

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis L. Johnson ◽  
Charles Fitz ◽  
David C. McCullough ◽  
Saul Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Shunt Malfunction ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Shunt Revision ◽  
Shunt Failure ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Tragic Event ◽  
Physical Findings ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Death from cerebrospinal fluid shunt malfunction is a rare but tragic event. The authors describe seven children who when admitted were lethargic but arousable because of shunt failure. Sudden deterioration prompted unscheduled emergency shunt revision in each case. Two children subsequently died. Although neither the history nor the physical findings predicted this life-threatening shunt malfunction, obliteration of the perimesencephalic cistern was apparent on all preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans. For reference, the scans of 43 other hydrocephalic children were drawn randomly from the hospital files and analyzed. It is concluded that CT evidence of obliteration of the perimesencephalic cistern is a useful warning of life-threatening shunt failure.

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