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Benign external hydrocephalus: a review, with emphasis on management
Sverre Morten Zahl1, Arild Egge, Eirik Helseth
1Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. sverre.zahl@gmail.com
Neurosurgical Review
|June 8, 2011
Summary
Benign external hydrocephalus in infants, often presenting with macrocephaly, is usually self-limiting. While most children recover, some experience developmental delays, necessitating further research into management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Benign external hydrocephalus (BEH) in infants is characterized by macrocephaly and specific neuroimaging findings.
- It is generally considered a self-limiting condition, often managed conservatively due to its perceived benign nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of benign external hydrocephalus, covering etiology, diagnosis, symptoms, and management.
- To emphasize the importance of neuroimaging in differentiating BEH from other conditions and to assess long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases.
- Included studies focused on idiopathic external hydrocephalus in young children, with an emphasis on long-term outcomes, totaling 147 studies.
Main Results:
- The pathophysiology of BEH is heterogeneous, with varied symptoms and clinical findings.
- Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
- Transient psychomotor delay is common in childhood, and long-term outcomes are inconsistently reported, with some patients experiencing delays.
Conclusions:
- While generally benign, BEH can be associated with temporary or permanent psychomotor delays in a subset of patients.
- Future research should compare long-term effects of surgical versus conservative management to definitively establish the condition's benignity.
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