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Chronic cerebral herniation in shunted Dandy-Walker malformation.
Radiology
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Shunt treatment for Dandy-Walker malformation can lead to chronic downward cerebral herniation. This previously undescribed complication was observed in CT scans and postmortem examinations of affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Dandy-Walker malformation is a congenital brain abnormality.
- Shunt procedures are common treatments for Dandy-Walker malformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a previously unrecognized complication of shunted Dandy-Walker malformation.
- To report on chronic downward transincisural herniation of the cerebrum.
Main Methods:
- Review of serial computed tomography (CT) scans from 25 patients with Dandy-Walker malformation.
- Analysis of autopsy findings in one patient.
Main Results:
- Six of 25 patients showed chronic downward transincisural herniation after shunt decompression or catheter malfunction.
- An additional patient with Dandy-Walker malformation had chronic cerebral herniation detected postmortem.
- CT findings and autopsy appearance of this complication are illustrated.
Conclusions:
- Chronic downward transincisural herniation is a potential complication of shunted Dandy-Walker malformation.
- This finding highlights the importance of monitoring for herniation in treated patients.