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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
This case report describes a neonate who developed communicating hydrocephalus after having catheters placed in both jugular veins. The authors observed that removing one catheter led to a return to normal ventricular size within 14 days. This finding suggests that hydrocephalus caused by bilateral jugular vein catheterization may be reversible with prompt catheter removal. The study does not claim to establish causality definitively but offers evidence that catheter removal could be a treatment strategy. The results may inform clinical decisions about catheter management in neonates.
Area of Science:
Background:
Neonatal care often involves vascular access for treatment and monitoring. Bilateral jugular vein catheterization is a common practice in critical care settings. Prior research has shown that jugular vein catheters can affect cerebral venous drainage. However, the specific risk of hydrocephalus from this procedure remains unclear. No prior work had resolved whether this complication is reversible. This gap motivated investigation into the causal link between catheter placement and hydrocephalus. Established knowledge includes the role of jugular veins in cerebral venous outflow. But the mechanism of catheter-induced hydrocephalus is not fully understood. This paper's contribution is to demonstrate that hydrocephalus from bilateral catheterization can be reversed.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this case report is to document a neonate who developed communicating hydrocephalus after bilateral jugular vein catheterization. The specific problem is the lack of clarity about whether this complication is reversible. The motivation comes from the need to inform clinical practice about catheter management. The authors sought to determine if removing one catheter could reverse the condition. They focused on a single patient to isolate the effect of catheter removal. The study aimed to provide evidence for a potential treatment approach. This case adds to the limited literature on catheter-related hydrocephalus. The findings may guide decisions about catheter placement and removal.
Main Methods:
The study is a single-case clinical report. The patient was a neonate with bilateral jugular vein catheters. The authors monitored ventricular size using imaging techniques. One catheter was removed to assess the effect on hydrocephalus. Clinical outcomes were tracked over a 14-day period. The approach relied on serial neuroimaging to measure ventricular changes. The study did not include control groups or comparative data. The focus was on the temporal relationship between catheter removal and ventricular normalization.
Main Results:
The neonate developed communicating hydrocephalus after bilateral jugular vein catheterization. Removal of one catheter led to a return to normal ventricular size. The recovery period was 14 days following catheter removal. No additional interventions were required for resolution. The ventricular size was measured using serial imaging. The results suggest that hydrocephalus from this cause is reversible. The timing of recovery supports a direct causal link between catheter placement and the condition. This finding provides evidence for catheter removal as a treatment strategy.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that bilateral jugular vein catheterization can cause reversible hydrocephalus. Prompt removal of one catheter may restore normal ventricular size. The study supports catheter removal as a potential treatment approach. The findings are limited to a single case and require further validation. The mechanism of hydrocephalus remains unclear but is likely related to venous outflow obstruction. The authors suggest that clinicians consider catheter removal in similar cases. The study does not claim to establish causality definitively. The results may inform clinical decisions about catheter management in neonates.
Yes, according to the authors, removing one catheter reversed the condition in 14 days.
The neonate developed communicating hydrocephalus following bilateral jugular vein catheterization.
The authors propose that removing one catheter restored normal venous outflow, leading to ventricular normalization.
Serial imaging was used to monitor ventricular size and confirm recovery after catheter removal.
The ventricular size returned to normal within 14 days after one catheter was removed.
The authors suggest that catheter removal may be a treatment option for this type of hydrocephalus.