Sialorrhea from fourth ventricle hydrocephalus. Case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Hydrocephalus, particularly hypertensive hydrocephalus, can present with varied neurological symptoms.
• Fourth ventricle dilatation is a specific anatomical finding in certain types of hydrocephalus.
• Sialorrhea, or excessive salivation, is an uncommon primary symptom in adult hydrocephalus cases.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old male patient presented with tetraventricular hypertensive hydrocephalus.
• The primary and most significant symptom observed was marked sialorrhea.
• Imaging revealed notable dilatation of the fourth ventricle.

Findings:

• The patient's significant sialorrhea was an unusual presenting symptom for hypertensive hydrocephalus.
• Successful treatment was achieved through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion.
• The case highlights the potential for atypical symptomatology in hydrocephalus.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering hydrocephalus in patients with unexplained sialorrhea.
• Cerebrospinal fluid diversion can be an effective treatment for hydrocephalus-induced sialorrhea.
• Further research may elucidate the pathophysiological link between hydrocephalus and sialorrhea.