Spontaneous cerebral ventriculostium: two cases

Spontaneous Third Ventriculostomy in Krabbe Disease

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous third ventriculostomies have been reported in relation to obstructive hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure and are most commonly seen as disruption of the floor of the third ventricle. Hydrocephalus has been reported in patients with Krabbe disease; however, it is clinically difficult to monitor for hydrocephalus in patients with Krabbe disease as symptoms of increased intracranial pressure may overlap with symptoms of Krabbe disease. We describe a case series of spontaneous third ventriculostomy and hydrocephalus, likely in response to increased intracranial pressure, in patients with infantile Krabbe disease.

METHODS

Brain magnetic resonance images of patients with infantile Krabbe disease were retrospectively analyzed to assess for ventricular size and presence of spontaneous third ventriculostomies. A brain atlas was used to standardize the calculation of ventricular size. Mid-sagittal, T2-weighted images around the third ventricle were assessed for spontaneous third ventriculostomies. Developmental outcomes were measured with a series of standardized and validated tests.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients with infantile Krabbe disease were evaluated. Twelve cases of spontaneous third ventriculostomies were identified. Head circumference (SE = 8.07; P < 0.001) and average ventricular volume were greater (left: SE = 1.47, P < 0.001) in patients with spontaneous third ventriculostomies when compared with patients without spontaneous third ventriculostomies. Patients with spontaneous third ventriculostomies also had more delayed development in adaptive (difference = 0.2, P < 0.01), gross motor (difference = 0.0, P < 0.01), and fine motor (difference = 0.1, P < 0.001) function.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous third ventriculostomies, likely in the context of increased intracranial pressure, were identified in patients with Krabbe disease. Although difficult to assess, our study highlights the importance of monitoring for increased intracranial pressure, which can result in spontaneous third ventriculostomies, in patients with infantile Krabbe disease.

Endoscopic observation of pathophysiology of ventricular diverticulum

BACKGROUND

Although there have been reports dealing with ventricular diverticulum (VD) analyzed by cisternography and computed tomography (CT), those focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or neuroendoscopic findings are rare.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of noncommunicating hydrocephalus caused by aqueductal stenosis with cystic lesion located in supracerebellar region. Third ventriculostomy was performed on this case. The conventional CT and MRI were compatible with usual VD, but neuroendoscopic examination suggested otherwise. The endoscopic view inside of the cystic lesion demonstrated passing veins and no membrane. We diagnosed this cystic lesion as a unique subtype of advanced VD mimicking spontaneous ventriculostomy. Endoscopic observation of the cyst was very useful for accurate diagnosis and safe treatment.

Fenestration of the superior medullary velum as treatment for a trapped fourth ventricle: A feasibility study

We developed a novel approach for fenestration of the trapped fourth ventricle utilizing the superior medullary velum (valve of Vieussens). Trapped fourth ventricles, which are seen often in the pediatric hydrocephalic population, are troublesome entities surgically. A right burr hole was carried out in 10 adult cadavers with no gross intracranial pathology and the superior medullary velum was fenestrated to the quadrigeminal cistern with the aid of an endoscope. This technique was carried out easily in all cadaveric specimens. With endoscopy, no vascular insult was appreciated either before or after fenestration of the superior medullary velum. These preliminary findings demonstrate that fenestration of the superior medullary velum may provide a good alternative to the present therapy of shunting trapped fourth ventricles, a therapy wrought with complications.

Pathogenesis and diagnostic pitfalls of ventricular diverticula: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Ventricular diverticula are local herniations of the ventricular system occurring in association with severe, long-standing hydrocephalus. Variability in the extent and location of these ventricular pouches may produce misleading radiological conformations and raise diagnostic challenges. In this report, we discuss the pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of ventricular diverticula on the basis of a case illustration.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 38-year-old woman presenting with hydrocephalus secondary to an obstructive lesion of the third ventricle. A large, dilated structure compressing the brainstem was present in the posterior fossa.

INTERVENTION

The posterior fossa lesion was identified as an atrial diverticulum by injection of contrast medium into the right lateral ventricle, which led to immediate enhancement of the infratentorial cavity. Ventricular drainage and removal of the third ventricular lesion, a colloid cyst, allowed progressive collapse of the diverticulum and symptom resolution.

CONCLUSION

This report discusses the pathogenesis of ventricular diverticula and demonstrates that ventriculography can be used to differentiate atrial diverticula from other posterior fossa lesions when time-consuming multiplanar magnetic resonance imaging cannot be afforded on an emergency basis.

Ventricular diverticula in obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to tumor growth

OBJECTIVE

The association of ventricular diverticula with intra- and paraventricular tumors causing obstructive hydrocephalus has rarely been reported.

METHODS

Records and imaging findings for 57 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus caused by tumors who were treated at our institution were reviewed for the presence of ventricular diverticula. For the anatomic study of ventricular diverticula, data were collected from five cadaveric heads.

RESULTS

Ventricular diverticula were identified on magnetic resonance imaging scans in five cases. Diverticula were similarly located in the quadrigeminal cistern but originated from the medial wall of the atrium of the lateral ventricle in three cases and from the superior portion of the fourth ventricle in two cases. Regression of diverticula occurred in all cases after either insertion of a shunt or removal of the obstructing tumor. The cadaveric study suggested that the choroidal fissure and the rostral portion of the superior medullary velum might be the origins of diverticula from the atrium and from the superior portion of the fourth ventricle, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Ventricular diverticula should be distinguished from other cystic lesions in the quadrigeminal region. Detection of an ostium of a diverticulum or communication between the cyst and the ventricular system is important for diagnosis.

Subtentorial diverticulum of the third ventricle associated with a mural cavernous angioma in a child

The authors describe a case of a large subtentorial supracollicular diverticulum of the third ventricle associated with a cavernous angioma in its wall in a 6-year-old girl who presented with developmental delay and obstructive hydrocephalus. This is the first case in which such association has been diagnosed and successfully treated. The literature is reviewed, and the possible relationship between these two rare lesions is discussed.

Diverticulum of the lateral ventricle causing cerebellar ataxia. Case report

A case of ventricular diverticulum causing cerebellar ataxia is presented. Computerized tomography clearly demonstrated the aperture of the diverticulum in the medial wall of the trigone and its extension into the posterior fossa. The diverticulum regressed and the cerebellar ataxia disappeared after placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Congenital ventriculocisternostomy. Case report

A case of congenital ventriculocisternostomy is reported. This infant presented with occipital meningocele. Conray ventriculography demonstrated a spontaneous ventriculocisternostomy and stenosis of the aqueduct. The case is discussed and pertinent literature reviewed.

Congenital atresia of the foramen of Monro

Two cases of congenital atresia of the foramen of Monro are described, one 8 days old and the other 2 months old. Both are associated with a parieto-occipital paraventricular diverticulum and spontaneous ventriculostomy with the passing of the cerebrospinal fluid to the posterior fossa and the formation of a cyst in the supracerebella region which compressed and displaced the structures of the posterior fossa.

Spontaneous rupture of the third ventricle in obstructive hydrocephalus: a radiographic diagnosis

Two cases of posterior fossa tumours with spontaneous rupture of the third ventricle are presented. In the first case there was dramatic relief of symptoms of raised intracranial tension. Rupture of the supra-pineal recess was demonstrated by Conray ventriculography in both cases.

Hydrocephalus related to pulsion diverticulum of lateral ventricle

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