Endoscopic Management of Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Infectious Neurology

Background:

• Intraventricular neurocysticercosis (NCC) presents significant management challenges, often leading to hydrocephalus.
• Endoscopic techniques offer a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical interventions for intraventricular pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic management for intraventricular neurocysticercosis (NCC).
• To evaluate the technical feasibility and success rates of endoscopic cyst removal and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in NCC patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 30 consecutive patients with intraventricular NCC undergoing endoscopic procedures.
• Utilized transcranial endoscopy via a frontal burr hole with rigid telescopes for cyst visualization, excision, and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
• Clinical data including age, symptoms, and signs were evaluated, with a mean follow-up of 22.6 months.

Main Results:

• Successful visualization, excision, or decompression of cysts was achieved in 86.67% (26/30) of patients.
• Complete excision of third ventricular cysts was 100% (16/16), and 66.67% (8/12) for fourth ventricular cysts.
• Effective CSF diversion and long-term shunt-free status were achieved in 90% (27/30) of patients.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic management of intraventricular NCC is a safe and effective procedure.
• Endoscopic CSF diversion provides a high success rate and potential long-term cure for hydrocephalus secondary to NCC.