[A case with a diagnosis of apparent functional sylvian aqueductal stenosis]

A case with a presumptive diagnosis of a functional sylvian aqueductal stenosis is presented. The patient was a 64-year-old female, who suffered from progressive gait disturbance and dementia. On admission, CT-scan showed lateral and third ventricular dilatations. The pattern of the ventricular dilatation suggested an aqueductal stenosis. But CT-scan showed no tumorous lesion. RI-cisternography, RI-ventriculography, aqueductgraphy, and continuous monitoring of the intraventricular pressure of the third ventricle were performed in order to make a diagnosis. The results of these examinations led to the following conclusion. "Although there was no apparent mechanical obstruction or stenosis, the presence of circulatory failure of CSF, demonstrated apparent functional stenosis of the aqueduct sylvii." A VP-shunt operation was performed a month after her admission. Her symptoms improved remarkably.