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Unilateral hydrocephalus in adults.
T J Mampalam1, G R Harsh, R D Tien
1Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
Surgical Neurology
|January 11, 1991
Summary
This study details 14 adult cases of unilateral hydrocephalus, often presenting with headaches. Surgical intervention, craniotomy with septum pellucidum fenestration, proved effective for most patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Unilateral hydrocephalus is a rare condition affecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics.
- Understanding its causes and effective treatments is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment outcomes of unilateral hydrocephalus in adults.
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical fenestration of the septum pellucidum.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 14 adult patients with unilateral hydrocephalus.
- Diagnosis confirmed via computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Surgical intervention involved craniotomy with fenestration of the septum pellucidum.
Main Results:
- Headache was the most frequent presenting symptom.
- Common causes included tumors (7 cases), idiopathic (4 cases), venous angioma (1 case), ependymal cyst (1 case), and postinflammatory gliosis (1 case).
- Eight of nine patients with follow-up experienced symptom relief after surgery.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral hydrocephalus in adults can stem from various pathologies, with tumors being a significant cause.
- Craniotomy with fenestration of the septum pellucidum is an effective surgical option for symptom relief.