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Vascular malformations, including an arteriovenous malformation and a venous varix, caused hydrocephalus by blocking cerebrospinal fluid outflow. These cases presented with increased intracranial pressure, highlighting a rare cause of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is often caused by blockages in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways.
- Vascular malformations are abnormal structures of blood vessels.
- Typical presentations of intracranial vascular lesions include hemorrhage or seizures.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, not typical neurological deficits.
- Computed tomography and angiography were used to diagnose the underlying vascular lesions.
- The first patient had an arteriovenous malformation causing headache and hydrocephalus.
- The second patient had a venous varix causing hydrocephalus.
Findings:
- Enlarged veins in vascular malformations obstructed CSF outflow pathways, leading to hydrocephalus.
- Arteriovenous malformations can cause headaches and hydrocephalus.
- Venous varices, a rare cause, were identified as the source of hydrocephalus in one patient.
- This is the first reported case of hydrocephalus secondary to a venous varix.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare etiology for hydrocephalus, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vascular imaging.
- Suggests that venous varices should be considered in the differential diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Underscores the importance of advanced imaging techniques in elucidating complex neurovascular pathologies.
- Contributes novel findings to the understanding of cerebrovascular disease and CSF dynamics.
Abstract:
Enlarged veins in two vascular malformations blocked the cerebrospinal fluid outflow pathways, causing hydrocephalus. Both patients presented not with the usual clinical picture (hemorrhage, seizure, etc.), but with signs of increased intracranial pressure. Computed tomography and angiography were necessary to understand the pathophysiology. An arteriovenous malformation was responsible for the first patient's headache, and a venous varix was the causative lesion in the second patient. Hydrocephalus caused by a venous varix has not been reported before.