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Spontaneous ventriculostomy in a patient with obstructive hydrocephalus
L J Kim1, I Feiz-Erfan, R E Clatterbuck
1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|December 1, 2004
Summary
Spontaneous ventriculostomy, a rare complication of obstructive hydrocephalus, can be visualized using cine MRI. This imaging technique may help avoid invasive cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Obstructive hydrocephalus can rarely lead to spontaneous ventriculostomy.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cine MRI are crucial for diagnosing this condition.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman with a tectal glioma and hydrocephalus experienced worsening headaches.
- She reported spontaneous headache relief during follow-up.
- Cine MRI revealed a spontaneous ventriculostomy through the floor of the third ventricle.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates spontaneous ventriculostomy in a patient with obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Cine MRI confirmed the ventriculostomy, showing cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics.
Implications:
- Awareness of spontaneous ventriculostomy is important for clinicians.
- Identifying this phenomenon via cine MRI may prevent the need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures.
