Related Experiment Videos
Hydrocephalus and chronically increased intracranial pressure in achondroplasia
P Erdinçler1, R Dashti, M Y Kaynar
1Department of Neurosurgery, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Turkey.
Insights
Achondroplastic children with ventriculomegaly may require intervention. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting effectively reduced intracranial pressure in two pediatric cases, addressing potential complications like blindness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Genetics
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Achondroplasia is a common form of dwarfism.
- Ventriculomegaly, or enlarged brain ventricles, can occur in achondroplastic children.
- Potential complications include increased intracranial pressure and visual impairment.
Abstract:
Two achondroplastic children with ventriculomegaly are reported. The patients had no signs of increased intracranial pressure, but in one blindness had previously been detected by the parents. Neuroradiological examinations showed ventriculomegaly in both. Intracranial pressure remained at high levels (20-55 mmHg) preoperatively; ventriculo-peritoneal shunting was performed in both cases, and postoperatively levels fell to normal (5-16 mmHg). The need for the treatment of ventriculomegaly seen in achondroplastic children is analyzed on the basis of these two patients, with a brief review of literature.