Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

Disproportionately large communicating fourth ventricle with syringomyelia: case report

Naoshi Hagihara1, Shuji Sakata

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Saga Prefectural Hospital Kouseikan, Morodomi-cho,Saga, Japan. hagihan@post.saga-med.ac.jp

Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|June 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Syringomyelia in a boy was linked to a large communicating fourth ventricle. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting resolved hydrocephalus, posterior fossa symptoms, and spinal cord abnormalities, indicating a connection between these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Syringomyelia is a rare condition characterized by a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord.
  • Hydrocephalus involves excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to increased pressure.
  • Posterior fossa symptoms can arise from structural abnormalities in the lower part of the brain.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old male presented with syringomyelia and a disproportionately large communicating fourth ventricle (DLCFV).
  • Clinical manifestations included symptoms of hydrocephalus and typical posterior fossa signs.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed significant fourth ventricular dilation and syringomyelia.

Findings:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunting effectively resolved all presenting symptoms.
  • Post-shunt placement, MRI demonstrated resolution of ventricular and spinal cord abnormalities.
  • Cine MRI before and after surgery showed altered cerebrospinal fluid flow at the foramen magnum.

Implications:

  • This case suggests DLCFV can cause or be associated with syringomyelia.
  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is an effective treatment for this specific combination of conditions.
  • Understanding cerebrospinal fluid dynamics is crucial for managing syringomyelia associated with fourth ventricular dilation.

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point03:13

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point

Published on: June 28, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles01:18

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles

There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen. The...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...