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Obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to an ectatic basilar artery.
Surgical Neurology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
A man with dementia experienced symptom relief after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt treated hydrocephalus caused by an ectatic basilar artery. This case highlights a rare cause of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological disorder characterized by the triad of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment.
- While often idiopathic, NPH can be secondary to various conditions, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, and intracranial tumors.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male presented with a five-month history of progressive dementia.
- Clinical presentation was suggestive of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
- Imaging revealed an ectatic basilar artery compressing the posterior third ventricle.
Findings:
- The ectatic basilar artery caused obstructive hydrocephalus.
- A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt successfully relieved the hydrocephalus.
- Post-operative resolution of the patient's dementia and other symptoms was complete.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering vascular abnormalities, such as ectatic basilar artery, as a potential cause of NPH.
- Surgical intervention with cerebrospinal fluid diversion can be effective in treating hydrocephalus secondary to vascular compression.
- Highlights the need for comprehensive neuroimaging in the diagnostic workup of NPH to identify treatable underlying causes.