Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point
Published on: June 28, 2024
Basilar artery dolichoectasia presenting as obstructive hydrocephalus mimicking normal pressure hydrocephalus
Jarrel Watson1, Vijai Persaud2, Asif Subhan3
1Neurology Department, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica Region, Guyana.
None:
Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is a well-recognized vascular anomaly characterized by tortuosity, elongation, and dilatation of the vertebrobasilar arteries with associated hemodynamic changes. Hydrocephalus secondary to this condition is rare but may clinically mimic idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). We report the case of a 58-year-old man with poorly controlled hypertension who presented with progressive gait instability, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence over one month. Neuroimaging demonstrated ventriculomegaly with transependymal oedema and marked vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, with the basilar artery compressing the floor of the third ventricle. Quantitative imaging supported a diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus rather than iNPH. This case highlights an important vascular cause of secondary hydrocephalus and emphasizes the need for careful radiological evaluation in patients presenting with the classical triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Related Concept Videos
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
