Surgical outcome of tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy: prognostic factors and postoperative neuroimaging for functional assessment of ventriculostomy

Comparison of ventriculoperitoneal shunt versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy in managing hydrocephalus due to tuberculous meningitis: a randomized controlled trial with a 30-day follow-up

Background

Hydrocephalus is a significant complication arising from tuberculous meningitis (TBM). While ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) remains the primary surgical approach for TBM-related hydrocephalus, there is a rising trend in the use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).

Materials and methods

This randomized controlled trial, conducted from February 2018 to July 2019, enroled 60 patients aged 20-50 with TBM-related hydrocephalus. Patients underwent either VPS or ETV. Both groups were followed up for a minimum of 30 days, evaluating clinical outcomes and modifications in the modified Vellore grading system. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assessments were conducted at 7-days and 30-day post-surgery for both groups.

Results

The mean GCS scores were comparable between the two groups on the 7th and 30th postoperative days. The association between modified Vellore Grade and treatment modality did not show statistically significant differences (P=1.0 and P=0.3) on the seventh and thirtieth postoperative days respectively.

Conclusions

Both VPS and ETV demonstrate efficacy in managing hydrocephalus secondary to TBM in adult patients. Our 30-day outcomes did not reveal discernible differences between the two procedures. Therefore, considering technical expertise and experience with ETV, it may be considered as the primary choice for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in TBM-associated hydrocephalus, owing to its avoidance of several lifelong complications linked with VPS.

Surgery for Central Nervous System Tuberculosis in Children

Tuberculosis (TB) is the second most common cause of death due to a single infectious agent worldwide after COVID-19. Central nervous system tuberculosis is widely prevalent in the world, especially in the developing countries and continues to be a socioeconomic problem. It is highly devastating form of tuberculosis leading to unacceptable levels of morbidity and mortality despite appropriate antitubercular therapy. The clinical symptoms are varied and nonspecific. They can be easily overlooked. Tuberculous meningitis is the most common presentation and its sequelae viz. vasculitis, infarction and hydrocephalus can be devastating. The ensuing cognitive, intellectual, and endocrinological outcome can be a significant source of morbidity and mortality, especially in resource constrained countries. Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis and institution of treatment is helpful in limiting the course of disease process. The diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis remains a formidable diagnostic challenge. The microbiological methods alone cannot be relied upon. CSF diversion procedures need to be performed at the appropriate time in order to achieve good outcomes. Tuberculous pachymeningitis and arachnoiditis are morbid sequelae of tuberculous meningitis. Tuberculomas present as mass lesions in the craniospinal axis. Tuberculous abscess can mimic pyogenic abscess and requires high index of suspicion. Calvarial tuberculosis is seen in children and responds well to antituberculous chemotherapy. Tuberculosis of the spinal cord is seen similar to intracranial tuberculosis in pathogenesis but with its own unique clinical manifestations and management. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a formidable problem, and alternate chemotherapy should be promptly instituted. The pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of central nervous system tuberculosis in children are summarized. Heightened clinical suspicion is paramount to ensure prompt investigation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to a gratifying outcome and prevent complications.

Feasibility of awake endoscopic third ventriculostomy in selected patients of obstructive hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is usually performed under general anesthesia (GA) with proper head immobilization. However a few patients with hydrocephalus (HCP) may not be suitable for GA. Once the surgeon is familiar with endoscopic ventricular anatomy and gains adequate surgical experience with the procedure, ETV can be attempted under local anesthesia (LA) in selected patients. Here we discuss our experience of treating 32 patients of HCP with ETV under LA.

METHODS

32 symptomatic HCP patients with in the age range of 13 and 65 years, conscious, alert, cooperative and at high risk for GA owing to deranged liver or renal function, associated co-morbidities, pregnancy were considered for ETV under scalp block. All patients were evaluated for any discomfort during the surgical intervention.

RESULT

All procedures were completed under LA. Four patients needed additional sedation prior to the scalp block to alleviate their apprehension. Four patients complained of bilateral orbital pain. In three it coincided with irrigation of fluid lower than body temperature. One patient had pain while touching the dorsum sella and needed analgesic supplement. All of them improved and none required additional CSF diversion within the average follow up of 9.5 months.

CONCLUSION

ETV can be performed under local anesthesia in conscious, alert and cooperative patients in experienced hands. Unnecessary stimulation of the painful structures should be avoided and fluid for irrigation should be at body temperature. This ensures patient comfort and safety of the procedure.

Challenges and Controversies in the Management of Tuberculous Meningitis with Hydrocephalus: A Systematic Review and Sarawak Institution's Experience

Introduction To date, there are no standard practice guidelines available and no universal consensus regarding treatment protocol in management of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with hydrocephalus. Over the years, diverse views have existed in neurosurgical management of TBM with hydrocephalus. Some authors advocate ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt, while others suggest that external ventricular drainage (EVD) may be the preferable neurosurgical procedure for a poor-grade patient.

Method We systematically reviewed published literature and presented our institution's experience. We performed a retrospective case study in our Sarawak neurosurgical center from 2018 to 2020. We tabulated the outcome according to preoperative classifications, which were Vellore Grading (VG), Modified Vellore Grading (MVG), British Medical Research Council Classification (MRC), and others: author-defined.

Result In our center, there were 20 cases of TBM with hydrocephalus treated by EVD and VP shunt from 2018 to 2020. We systematically searched published medical literature, and 23 articles were retrieved and analyzed. Poor outcomes were observed in poor-grade patients, especially VG/MVG 3/4 and MRC 3, from both institution and systemic review data. Shunt complication rate was lower in our center as compared with published literature.

Conclusion Unfortunately, morbidity and mortality were approximately twofold higher in poor-grade as compared with good-grade patients. However, about one-third of poor-grade patients achieved a good outcome. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion would be an unavoidable treatment for hydrocephalus. Poor-grade patients tend to have cerebral infarcts in addition to hydrocephalus. An extended duration of EVD placement could be a potential measure to assess Glasgow coma scale recovery and monitor serial CSF samples.

Surgical treatment of post-infectious hydrocephalus in infants

The management of post-infective hydrocephalus in infants remains a challenging task for the pediatric neurosurgeon. The decision-making curve is often complex in that appropriate temporizing measures need to be implemented to properly clear any infection within the CSF before any decision can be made regarding a permanent solution. The etiology differs at varying stages of neonatal development, and the weight of the child, skin fragility, and relevant surgical treatment options are often important limiting factors. Deciding on the optimal treatment option involves assessing the etiology, age, and clinical and radiological features of the individual case and selecting the most appropriate surgical option.

Role of Surgical Procedures (VP Shunt and ETV) in Tuberculous Meningitis with Hydrocephalus (TBMH): A Systematic Review

Objective

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common complications of tuberculous meningitis. Various cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and shunt surgery, are performed for the management of the hydrocephalus associated with tuberculous bacterial meningitis (TBM). There is decreased clarity on the type of procedure to be done. So, this study aims at generating knowledge to understand the conditions in which either of the two procedures, ETV and shunt surgery, is a better option and to develop good practice guidelines for the treatment of tubercular meningitis hydrocephalus (TBMH).

Materials and Methods

A systematic search of literature was performed by using PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for articles published from January 2001 to April 2020. A total of 15 studies were included irrespective of their design and having diagnosis with TBMH treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery (VPS) or ETV. Then, a systemic review was done regarding outcomes, complications, and recommendations made in different studies.

Results

The total number of patients diagnosed with TBMH was 603; among them, 348 patients had VPS and 255 patients had ETV. In the VPS group, the patient's good outcome varied from 25% to 68% and complication rate ranged from 10% to 43.8%. The average percentage of good outcome in the VPS group was 51.8%. In the ETV group, the patient's good outcome varied from 41% to 77% and complication rate ranged from 10% to 23.5%. The average percentage of good outcome in the ETV group was 68%. There was a significant difference in the average percentage of good outcome in the ETV versus the VPS shunt group (P-value was 0.008).

Conclusion

There was a significant difference in the average percentage of good outcome after ETV than VPS, and complication rate was also slightly lower after ETV than VPS during the chronic phase of illness. So during the acute phase of illness VPS placement is preferred whereas in the chronic burnout phase ETV is preferred because poor anatomy leads to more complications with ETV during the acute phase of the disease.

Success and complication rates of endoscopic third ventriculostomy for tuberculous meningitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Because ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion for patients with hydrocephalus from tuberculous meningitis (TBM) can be complicated by shunt infection and malfunction, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has been proposed as an alternative. The aim of this review was to determine the success, technical failure, and complication rates of ETV in TBM in a meta-analysis and determine which factors are predictive of outcome. The PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to April 2020 for case series, cohort studies, or randomized controlled trials reporting success, technical failure, or complication rates. For studies with individual patient data available, logistic regression analysis was done to determine whether age, sex, clinical grade, and type of hydrocephalus on imaging was predictive of outcome. Eight studies with a total of 174 patients were included in the review. Using random-effects modeling, the pooled estimate of success rate was 59% (95% CI 50-68%), with low heterogeneity (I² = 30%). The technical failure and complication rates were 5% and 15%, respectively, but these variables had moderate heterogeneity. In 36 patients with individual patient data, a non-communicating type of hydrocephalus on imaging was associated with an odds ratio of 5.90 (95% CI 1.1-32.9, p = 0.043) for success. In summary, ETV for TBM had a pooled success rate of 59%, technical failure rate of 5%, and complication rate of 15%. An imaging finding of non-communicating hydrocephalus was associated with increased success. High-quality randomized, prospective studies using VPS insertion as control are needed to further define the role of ETV in TBM.

Neuroendoscopic lavage for ventriculitis: Case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Ventriculitis, one of the difficulties in neurosurgical treatment, is a significant cause of death and morbidity in patients with hydrocephalus. Neuroendoscopy is widely used in the treatment of non-communicable hydrocephalus. The advantages of neuroendoscopy may play a decisive role in the treatment of ventriculitis.

CASE REPORT AND METHODS

We report a 34-year-old male patient with refractory fever and rapid progressive disturbance of consciousness due to ventriculitis caused by intraventricle rupture in a left colliculus abscess. He received intravenous (IV) antibiotics and saline neuroendoscopic lavage (NEL) combined with septostomy and endoscopic third ventriculostomy leading to rapid recovery and remission of symptoms. We also reviewed the use of NEL for ventriculitis in PubMed from 1970 to January 20, 2019.

RESULTS

In our review, 93 cases (including the present report) were treated with NEL; 91 cases of infection subsided, and 7 patients died.

CONCLUSION

NEL may be an effective method for the treatment of ventriculitis.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Tubercular Meningitis in Children

Tubercular meningitis (TBM) continues to be a common cause of neuromorbidity in children. There is no single diagnostic method that can rapidly detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) in TBM patients with high sensitivity and specificity. Newer diagnostic modalities like Xpert/RIF assay and Loop mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) have gained an essential stand in molecular diagnostics due to their high specificity, modest sensitivity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and quick availability of results. Intensified drug regimens using high dose rifampicin, fluoroquinolone and aspirin appear to be useful adjunct therapy but more pediatric clinical trials on large scale are needed to determine their appropriate place in pediatric TBM. The emergence of multi and extreme drug resistant M.tb strains further challenges the standard therapy. In this review authors summarize challenges of the currently used diagnostic methods and treatment for TBM and discuss the recent advances.

Neuroendoscopy for post-infective hydrocephalus in children

The treatment of hydrocephalus has changed in recent years with better imaging and introduction of endoscopic procedures as well as enhanced shunts. Indications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are now more refined with better quantification of outcome. This article reviews the current state of neuroendoscopy for infective hydrocephalus in children. The roles of third ventriculostomy as a primary procedure or after shunt malfunction, endoscopic interventions in multiloculated hydrocephalus and introduction of intraventricular lavage to salvage severely infected children are evaluated.

Tuberculosis of the central nervous system in children

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) in children is still a socioeconomic problem in developing countries. It has varied manifestations, symptoms are nonspecific, diagnosis can be challenging, and treatment may be difficult. It is often missed or overlooked. Among the various pathological entities, tuberculous meningitis is the most common and devastating manifestation. The resultant vasculitis, infarction, and hydrocephalus can be life-threatening. It can have grave cognitive, intellectual, and endocrine sequelae if not treated in time resulting in handicap, especially in resource constraint countries. Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis is the single most important factor determining outcome. Tuberculous hydrocephalus needs to be recognized early, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure needs to be performed in adequate time to prevent morbidity or mortality in some cases. Tuberculous pachymeningitis and arachnoiditis are rare in children. Tuberculous abscess can mimic pyogenic abscess and requires high index of suspicion. Calvarial tuberculosis is seen in children and responds well to antituberculous chemotherapy. Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a formidable problem, and alternate chemotherapy should be promptly instituted.

AIM

The pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of central nervous system tuberculosis in children are summarized.

CONCLUSION

Heightened clinical suspicion, early diagnosis, appropriate antituberculous treatment, and surgery in relevant situation are essential for a gratifying outcome and preventing complications.

Abnormal Migration and Extrusion of Abdominal End of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: An Experience of Eight Cases

Background:

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is commonly used in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Migration and extrusion of the distal end of the VP shunt are relatively rarely occurring complications.

Aim:

To retrospectively analyze patients with extrusion of the abdominal end of ventriculoperitoneal shunts and evaluate the possible etiology and outcome.

Settings and Design:

All patients presenting with extrusion of lower end of the shunt were included. The variables collected were age, sex, site of extrusion, time duration of extrusion, presence of local infection, meningitis, shunt dependency, and treatment received. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of brain was carried out in all patients to rule out retrograde migration of infection in the cranial cavity.

Materials and Methods:

Eight patients of abnormal migration and extrusion of lower end of VP shunt were included.

Results:

The distal end of VP shunt was extruded from the anus (n = 3), vagina (n = 2), and anterior abdominal wall (n = 3). In five of these patients, shunt catheter was draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the children were afebrile and CSF was sterile. In three children with extrusion of the shunt through the abdominal wall, the shunt tract was infected. Two of these patients had abscess in the shunt tract, which required incision and drainage. Both these patients had meningitis with a growth of Streptococcus species from CSF. Seven patients required further CSF diversion such as endoscopic third ventriculostomy (n = 3) or placement of VP shunt (n = 4).

Conclusion:

Distal tip migration of VP shunt may prove to have potentially serious complications such as meningitis. A prompt and aggressive protocol of management is recommended.

A Randomized Study Comparing Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy versus Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in the Management of Hydrocephalus Due to Tuberculous Meningitis

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) versus ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in the treatment of hydrocephalus in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and to assess clinical and radiological profiles of patients with TBM that would be better suited to either VP shunt or ETV.

Methods

This study was a single-center randomized prospective study on 52 patients with TBM hydrocephalus in the pediatric age group (<18 years of age). Patients included in the study were randomized into undergo either VP shunt or ETV. Both groups were followed up for a minimum of 5 months and assessed for success and failure rates as well as procedural complications and neurologic sequelae.

Results

Twenty-six patients underwent ETV with a success rate of 65.4% with six of nine failures occurring within the first 16 days after surgery (median time to failure - 3 days). In the VP shunt group, there was a success rate of 61.54% and a median time to failure of 50 days. Modified Vellore grading was found to be a significant factor in determining outcome in both ETV and VP shunt groups with high-grade TBM consistently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio = 4.2).

Conclusions

ETV can be performed effectively in young children including infants, as well as those with communicating hydrocephalus, high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts, and protein levels with a lower rate of failure than that of VP shunt. Hence, ETV should be attempted as the first-choice CSF diversion procedure in hydrocephalus secondary to TBM where technical expertise and experience with this procedure is available as it avoids the myriad of lifelong complications associated with shunts.

The effect and evolution of patient selection on outcomes in endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus: A large-scale review of the literature

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become a popular technique for the treatment of hydrocephalus, but small sample size has limited the generalizability of prior studies. We performed a large-scale review of all available studies to help eliminate bias and determine how outcomes have changed and been influenced by patient selection over time. A systematic literature search was performed for studies of ETV that contained original, extractable patient data, and a meta-analytic model was generated for correlative and predictive analysis. A total of 130 studies were identified, which included 11,952 cases. Brain tumor or cyst was the most common hydrocephalus etiology, but high-risk etiologies, post-infectious or post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, accounted for 18.4%. Post-operative mortality was very low (0.2%) and morbidity was only slightly higher in developing than in industrialized countries. The rate of ETV failure was 34.7% and was higher in the first months and plateaued around 20months. As anticipated, ETV is less successful in high-risk etiologies of hydrocephalus and younger patients. Younger patient age and high-risk etiologies predicted failure. ETVs were performed more often in high-risk etiologies over time, but, surprisingly, there was no overall change in ETV success rate over time. This study should help to influence optimal patient selection and offer guidance in predicting outcomes.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Success and Failure

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has now become an accepted mode of hydrocephalus treatment in children. Varying degrees of success for the procedure have been reported depending on the type and etiology of hydrocephalus, age of the patient and certain technical parameters. Review of these factors for predictability of success, complications and validation of success score is presented.

Six months therapy for tuberculous meningitis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the main form of tuberculosis that affects the central nervous system and is associated with high rates of death and disability. Most international guidelines recommend longer antituberculous treatment (ATT) regimens for TBM than for pulmonary tuberculosis disease to prevent relapse. However, longer regimens are associated with poor adherence, which could contribute to increased relapse, development of drug resistance, and increased costs to patients and healthcare systems.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of short-course (six months) regimens versus prolonged-course regimens for people with tuberculous meningitis (TBM).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases up to 31 March 2016: the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE; EMBASE; LILACS; INDMED; and the South Asian Database of Controlled Clinical Trials. We searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing trials. We also checked article reference lists and contacted researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies of adults and children with TBM treated with antituberculous regimens that included rifampicin for six months or longer than six months. The primary outcome was relapse, and included studies required a minimum of six months follow-up after completion of treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors (SJ and HR) independently assessed the literature search results for eligibility, and performed data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessments of the included studies. We contacted study authors for additional information when necessary. Most data came from single arm cohort studies without a direct comparison so we pooled the findings for each group of cohorts and presented them separately using a complete-case analysis. We assessed the quality of the evidence narratively, as using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was inappropriate with no direct comparisons between short- and prolonged-course regimens.

MAIN RESULTS

Four RCTs and 12 prospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria, and included a total of 1881 participants with TBM. None of the included RCTs directly compared six months versus longer regimens, so we analysed all data as individual cohorts to obtain relapse rates in each set of cohorts.We included seven cohorts of participants treated for six months, with a total of 458 participants. Three studies were conducted in Thailand, two in South Africa, and one each in Ecuador and Papua New Guinea between the 1980s and 2009. We included 12 cohorts of participants treated for longer than six months (ranging from eight to 16 months), with a total of 1423 participants. Four studies were conducted in India, three in Thailand and one each in China, South Africa, Romania, Turkey and Vietnam, between the late 1970s and 2011.The proportion of participants classified as having stage III disease (severe) was higher in the cohorts treated for six months (33.2% versus 16.9%), but the proportion with known concurrent HIV was higher in the cohorts treated for longer (0/458 versus 122/1423). Although there were variations in the treatment regimens, most cohorts received isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide during the intensive phase.Investigators achieved follow-up beyond 18 months after completing treatment in three out of the seven cohorts treated for six months, and five out of the 12 cohorts treated for eight to 16 months. All studies had potential sources of bias in their estimation of the relapse rate, and comparisons between the cohorts could be confounded.Relapse was an uncommon event across both groups of cohorts (3/369 (0.8%) with six months treatment versus 7/915 (0.8%) with longer), with only one death attributed to relapse in each group.Overall, the proportion of participants who died was higher in the cohorts treated for longer than six months (447/1423 (31.4%) versus 58/458 (12.7%)). However, most deaths occurred during the first six months in both treatment cohorts, which suggested that the difference in death rate was not directly related to duration of ATT but was due to confounding. Clinical cure was higher in the group of cohorts treated for six months (408/458 (89.1%) versus longer than six months (984/1336 (73.7%)), consistent with the observations for deaths.Few participants defaulted from treatment with six months treatment (4/370 (1.1%)) versus longer treatment (8/355 (2.3%)), and adherence was not well reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In all cohorts most deaths occurred in the first six months; and relapse was uncommon in all participants irrespective of the regimen. Further inferences are probably inappropriate given this is observational data and confounding is likely. These data are almost all from participants who are HIV-negative, and thus the inferences will not apply to the efficacy and safety of the six months regimens in HIV-positive people. Well-designed RCTs, or large prospective cohort studies, comparing six months with longer treatment regimens with long follow-up periods established at initiation of ATT are needed to resolve the uncertainty regarding the safety and efficacy of six months regimens for TBM.

Outcome of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, without prior placement of external ventricular drain in Grades III and IV patients of tubercular meningitis with hydrocephalus: A single institution's experience in the pediatric population and review of literature

OBJECTIVE

Hydrocephalus is a most common complication of tubercular meningitis (TBM). Relieving hydrocephalus by ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement has been considered beneficial in patient in Palur Grades II or III. The role of VPS placement in those of Grades III and IV is controversial, and general tendency is to avoid its use. Some authors have suggested that patient in Grades III and IV should receive a shunt only if their condition improves with a trial placement of external ventricular drain (EVD). However, recent studies suggest that VPS may be undertaken without the trial of an EVD. Our study prospectively evaluates the role of direct VPS placement in patient in Grades III and IV TBM with hydrocephalus (TBMH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was carried out on 50 consecutive pediatric patients of TBMH in Palur Grades III and IV from July 2013 to December 2014 in R.N.T. Medical College and M.B. Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan. All patients underwent direct VPS placement, without prior placement of EVD. The outcome was assessed at the end of 3 months using Glasgow Outcome Score.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 3.25 years (range, 3 months-14 years). Forty (80%) patients were in Grade III, and 10 (20%) were in Grade IV. Good outcome and mortality in Grade IV patients were 30% (3/10) and 10% (1/10), respectively; whereas in Grade III patients, it was 77.5% (31/40) and 0% (0/40), respectively. Twenty-five patients presented with focal neurological deficit at admission, which persisted in only 14 patients at 3 months follow-up. VPS-related complications were observed in 5 (10%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that direct VPS surgery could improve the outcome of Grades III and IV TBMH. Despite poor grade at admission, 80% patients in Grade III and 20% patients in Grade IV had a good outcome at 3 months follow-up. Direct VPS placement is a safe and effective option even in a patient in Grades III and IV grade TBMH with a low complication rate.

Role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is one of the commonest complications of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). It can be purely obstructive, purely communicating, or due to combinations of obstruction in addition to defective absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) as an alternative to shunt procedures is an established treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus in TBM. ETV in TBM hydrocephalus can be technically very difficult, especially in acute stage of disease due to inflamed, thick, and opaque third ventricle floor. Water jet dissection can be helpful in thick and opaque ventricular floor patients, while simple blunt perforation is possible in thin and transparent floor. Lumbar peritoneal shunt is a better option for communicating hydrocephalus as compared to VP shunt or ETV. Intraoperative Doppler or neuronavigation can help in proper planning of the perforation to prevent neurovascular complications. Choroid plexus coagulation with ETV can improve success rate in infants. Results of ETV are better in good grade patients. Poor results are observed in cisternal exudates, thick and opaque third ventricle floor, acute phase, malnourished patients as compared to patients without cisternal exudates, thin and transparent third ventricle floor, chronic phase, well-nourished patients. Some of the patients, especially in poor grade, can show delayed recovery. Failure to improve after ETV can be due to blocked stoma, complex hydrocephalus, or vascular compromise. Repeated lumbar puncture can help faster normalization of the raised intracranial pressure after ETV in patients with temporary defect in CSF absorption, whereas lumbar peritoneal shunt is required in permanent defect. Repeat ETV is recommended if the stoma is blocked. ETV should be considered as treatment of choice in chronic phase of the disease in obstructive hydrocephalus.

Surgery for brain tuberculosis: a review

The two main manifestations of brain tuberculosis that require surgery are hydrocephalus associated with tuberculous meningitis (TBMH) and brain tuberculomas. TBMH most often responds to medical therapy but surgery is required promptly for those who fail medical therapy. Both ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are valid options although the latter is more often successful in patients with chronic hydrocephalus than in those with acute meningitis. Patients with TBMH are more prone to complications following VP shunt than other patients. The outcome of these patients is determined by the Vellore grade (I to IV) of the patients prior to surgery with those in good grades (I and II) having a better outcome and those in the worst grade (IV) having a high mortality in excess of 80 %. Patients with brain tuberculomas present clinically with features of a brain mass, indistinguishable clinically from other pathologies. CT and MR features might provide a probable diagnosis of a tuberculoma but most often a histological diagnosis is desirable. Empiric medical therapy is reserved for a small number of patients. Although the treatment of brain tuberculomas is essentially medical, surgery is required when the diagnosis is in doubt, to reduce raised intracranial pressure or local mass effect and to obtain tissue for culture and sensitivity studies. Stereotactic biopsy, stereotactic craniotomy and excision of superficial small tuberculomas and microsurgery are all procedures used to manage brain tuberculomas. The outcome in patients with brain tuberculomas is good if the tuberculous bacillus is sensitive to the anti-tuberculous therapy. The duration of therapy is debated but we suggest at least 18 months of combination therapy with three or four anti-tuberculous drugs and continue the therapy till the tuberculoma has resolved on neuro-imaging.

Quantitative analysis of intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid flow in normal adults

The present study quantitatively analyzed intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid flow patterns in 19 normal adults using fast cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Results showed increased downward flow velocity and volume compared with upward flow, and the average downward flow volume of intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid decreased from top to bottom at different intervertebral disc levels. Upward and downward cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity reached a peak at the thoracic intraspinal anterior region, and velocity reached a minimum at the posterior region. Overall measurements revealed that mean upward and downward flow volume positively correlated with the subarachnoid area. Upward peak flow velocity and volume positively correlated with spinal anteroposterior diameter. However, downward peak flow velocity and volume exhibited a negative correlation with spinal anteroposterior diameter. Further flow measurements showed that flow velocity in upward and downward directions was associated with subarachnoid anteroposterior diameter, respectively. The present experimental results showed that cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity and volume varied at different intraspinal regions and were affected by subarachnoid space area and anteroposterior diameter size.

A randomized study of ventriculoperitoneal shunt versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy for the management of tubercular meningitis with hydrocephalus

OBJECTIVE

This study aims at generating knowledge to understand the conditions in which either of the two procedures (endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and shunt) are better options and to develop good practice guidelines for the treatment of tubercular meningitis (TBM) hydrocephalus.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 48 patients in pediatric age group (less than or equal to 18 years) of TBM hydrocephalus. The patients were randomized to one of the cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures (ETV or shunt). The two procedures were compared for their outcome, both radiologically and clinically.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cases underwent shunt, out of which 13 (68%) cases were successful. Twelve (70.3%) cases belonged to grade 3, while one case was of grade 1. In ETV group, 10 (42%) cases had a successful outcome, out of which 7 (38.8%) cases were in grade 3, while 1 case each belonged to grades 1, 2, and 4. Incidence of ETV failure was more in younger age group, i.e., <2 years (n = 7), while no such correlation with age was found in shunt cases.

CONCLUSION

Though with the present study it looks like that the relative risk of ETV failure is higher than that for shunt, but the risk becomes progressively lower with time. Therefore, if patients survive the early high-risk period, they could experience a long-term survival advantage devoid of life-long shunt-related complications. Though for definitive comparison, a long-term study is needed.

A review of the neurological and neurosurgical implications of tuberculosis in children

Tuberculous involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) and vertebral column is the most lethal and disabling form of tuberculosis (TB). Several factors contribute to poor outcome, including cerebrovascular involvement with ischemia, hydrocephalus, direct parenchymal injury and formation of abscess and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, hyponatremia, seizures, and delayed diagnosis. Spinal spondylitis from TB and associated spinal deformity is the leading cause of paraplegia in developing countries. The evidence for supportive treatment of TB infection of the CNS is limited, leading to substantial differences in management protocols. Many of the treatment approaches used in TB infection of the CNS have been extrapolated from treatment of other acute neurological disorders such as bacterial meningitis and traumatic brain injury. We review data from the available literature and highlight questions relating to the neurological and neurosurgical care of children with TB infection of the CNS and vertebral column.

Surgery in hydrocephalus of tubercular origin: challenges and management

BACKGROUND

Hydrocephalus of tubercular origin is one of the most dreaded and difficult to manage complications of brain tuberculosis. Traditionally, the management has been ventriculoperitoneal shunting, but in recent years emerging interest is in endoscopic ventriculostomy. In this article, we discuss the management protocol of hydrocephalus in various stages of disease.

METHODS

A total of 424 cases of tubercular origin hydrocephalus were managed between years 2000 and 2009. Initially the cases were managed by ventriculoperitoneal shunting, which was followed by use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Drug-resistant cases were also encountered and managed according to drug sensitivity.

RESULTS

The results provided through evaluation of retrospective data showed a high mortality in cases of hydrocephalus of acute origin if endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed. The cerebrospinal fluid protein level and neurological status of the patient determined the success or failure of the procedure. For better management, patients were divided into six groups and their management underlined.

CONCLUSION

The cases of tubercular meningitis with aqueductal stenosis presenting in early stages should be given a trial of endoscopic third ventriculostomy where chronic burnt-out cases or cases with communicating hydrocephalus should be managed by ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is considered as a treatment of choice for obstructive hydrocephalus. It is indicated in hydrocephalus secondary to congenital aqueductal stenosis, posterior third ventricle tumor, cerebellar infarct, Dandy-Walker malformation, vein of Galen aneurism, syringomyelia with or without Chiari malformation type I, intraventricular hematoma, post infective, normal pressure hydrocephalus, myelomeningocele, multiloculated hydrocephalus, encephalocele, posterior fossa tumor and craniosynostosis. It is also indicated in block shunt or slit ventricle syndrome. Proper Pre-operative imaging for detailed assessment of the posterior communicating arteries distance from mid line, presence or absence of Liliequist membrane or other membranes, located in the prepontine cistern is useful. Measurement of lumbar elastance and resistance can predict patency of cranial subarachnoid space and complex hydrocephalus, which decides an ultimate outcome. Water jet dissection is an effective technique of ETV in thick floor. Ultrasonic contact probe can be useful in selected patients. Intra-operative ventriculo-stomography could help in confirming the adequacy of endoscopic procedure, thereby facilitating the need for shunt. Intraoperative observations of the patent aqueduct and prepontine cistern scarring are predictors of the risk of ETV failure. Such patients may be considered for shunt surgery. Magnetic resonance ventriculography and cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging are effective in assessing subarachnoid space and stoma patency after ETV. Proper case selection, post-operative care including monitoring of ICP and need for external ventricular drain, repeated lumbar puncture and CSF drainage, Ommaya reservoir in selected patients could help to increase success rate and reduce complications. Most of the complications develop in an early post-operative, but fatal complications can develop late which indicate an importance of long term follow up.

Effects of the implantation of Ommaya reservoir in children with tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

The role of Ommaya reservoir implantation in children with tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus (TBMH) has been seldomly reported. Therefore, we performed this study to determine the role of the Ommaya reservoir in the treatment of children with TBMH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the effects of Ommaya reservoir implantation in 12 children with TBMH. Intracapsular puncture of the reservoir was performed for draining the cerebrospinal fluid and the TBM was treated by intraventricular injection of isoniazid.

RESULTS

The ideal treatment outcome was observed in nine (75 %) of the 12 children; two (16.7 %) children developed serious disabilities and one of them (8.3 %) eventually died. The treatment method was effective for all six (100 %) children with Palur grade II TBM but showed no effect in three (50 %) children with grade III and IV TBM. The number of leukocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid decreased to 20 × 10(6)/L (75 %) within 2 weeks after implantation of the reservoirs. Finally, the Ommaya reservoirs in eight children were removed but were retained in four children. Four children had to undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

CONCLUSION

Ommaya reservoir implantation has been shown to be effective in treating children with TBMH. This method may be largely suitable for children with early grade II TBM or partly in children with grade III TBM who have mild or moderate hydrocephalus that can alleviate after short-term treatment. Thus, a good proportion of children who undergo Ommaya reservoir implantation can avoid ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery.

Preoperative third ventricular bowing as a predictor of endoscopic third ventriculostomy success

OBJECT

Patients with hydrocephalus often present with both intraventricular obstructive and communicating components, and determination of the predominant component is difficult. Other investigators have observed that third ventricular floor deformation, or "bowing" of the third ventricular floor, is a good indicator of intraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus, resulting in higher success rates with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). However, additional third ventricular bowing assessment and statistical evidence demonstrating a difference in ETV outcome with third ventricular bowing is needed. The authors hypothesized that patients with preoperative bowing of the third ventricle would exhibit greater long-term success rates after ETV and that lack of bowing would result in increased failure rates after ETV.

METHODS

The authors determined success and failure for 59 ETVs performed in 56 patients, and recorded patient age, time to failure, and preoperative third ventricular anatomy, as well as history of infection, intraventricular hemorrhage, and previous shunt. Third ventricular anatomy was assessed on MR imaging for bowing, which was classified as any of the following: depression of the third ventricular floor, enlargement of the supraoptic recess, anterior curvature of the lamina terminalis, dilation of the proximal aqueduct to a greater extent than the distal aqueduct, and blunting or posterior bowing of the suprapineal recess. Univariate and multivariate analyses of ETV failure and the time to failure were performed using logistic regression and the Cox proportional hazards model, respectively.

RESULTS

After adjusting for patient age and history of infection, there was a significant association between lack of anterior third ventricular preoperative bowing (either lamina terminalis, supraoptic recess, or third ventricular floor) and ETV failure (adjusted HR 2.79, 95% CI 1.08-7.20). Of the patients with bowing, 70.5% experienced success with ETV, as did 33.3% of the patients without bowing. Among the individual structures, absence of bowing in the anterior aspect of the third ventricular floor was significantly associated with censored time to ETV failure (multivariate HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.01-6.66; final model including age and history of infection).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of preoperative third ventricular bowing is predictive of ETV success, with nearly a 3-fold likelihood of success compared with patients treated with ETV in the absence of such bowing. Although bowing is predictive, 33% of patients without bowing were also treated successfully with ETV.

Role of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in grade IV tubercular meningitis with hydrocephalus

PURPOSE

Hydrocephalus is a common complication of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children. The role of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement in grade IV patients is controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical value of VPS placement for patients with grade IV TBM with hydrocephalus (TBMH).

METHODS

This study was carried out on children with grade IV TBMH from January 2006 to January 2011 in Xiangya Hospital, China. All patients were given VPS placement combined with medicine treatment. External ventricular drainage (EVD) was performed only in the presence of severe biochemical derangements or brainstem dysfunction requiring correction before shunt surgery. Outcomes were divided into normal, mild sequelae, severe sequelae, death, or vegetable status.

RESULTS

A total of 19 children with grade IV TBMH were recruited into the study. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Three of the 19 patients expired, four patients had a full recovery, eight had slight sequelae, and four had severe sequelae. Six complications related to the shunt surgery were seen among the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that direct ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery could improve the outcome of grade IV TBMH. The response to EVD is not a reliable indication for selecting patients who would benefit from shunt surgery.

Tuberculous meningitis: diagnosis and treatment overview

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most common form of central nervous system tuberculosis (TB) and has very high morbidity and mortality. TBM is typically a subacute disease with symptoms that may persist for weeks before diagnosis. Characteristic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings of TBM include a lymphocytic-predominant pleiocytosis, elevated protein, and low glucose. CSF acid-fast smear and culture have relatively low sensitivity but yield is increased with multiple, large volume samples. Nucleic acid amplification of the CSF by PCR is highly specific but suboptimal sensitivity precludes ruling out TBM with a negative test. Treatment for TBM should be initiated as soon as clinical suspicion is supported by initial CSF studies. Empiric treatment should include at least four first-line drugs, preferably isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin or ethambutol; the role of fluoroquinolones remains to be determined. Adjunctive treatment with corticosteroids has been shown to improve mortality with TBM. In HIV-positive individuals with TBM, important treatment considerations include drug interactions, development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, unclear benefit of adjunctive corticosteroids, and higher rates of drug-resistant TB. Testing the efficacy of second-line and new anti-TB drugs in animal models of experimental TBM is needed to help determine the optimal regimen for drug-resistant TB.

Management of post-tubercular hydrocephalus

PURPOSE

Tubercular meningitis can lead to hydrocephalus which is a challenging condition to treat in this setting. There is no consensus on treatment protocols for this condition. We have reviewed the literature and formulated treatment guidelines based on available literature and our own experience.

OBSERVATIONS

The main available options for management of tubercular hydrocephalus are conservative medical therapy, ventriculoperitoneal shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). There is no universal consensus regarding the treatment protocol. However, decision regarding the best treatment should be based on the clinical condition of the patient, presence or absence of meningitis, duration of the disease, communicating or non- communicating hydrocephalus, socioeconomic condition of the patient, surgeons expertise, availability of resources for endoscopy. We have given a treatment algorithm for treatment of these patients which can help in protocol-based management of such cases.

CONCLUSION

Tubercular basal meningitis is a medical problem with limited role of neurosurgery except when patient develops hydrocephalus. Management of hydrocephalus in this condition is challenging and fraught with a myriad of complications. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is an ideal option of vast majority of patients. However, in case of availability of endoscopic facility and expertise, ETV can be an option in selected group of patients. Our algorithm for management can help a clinician to objectively assess the patient and decide on a protocol-based management.

The neurosurgical and acute care management of tuberculous meningitis: evidence and current practice

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most lethal form of tuberculosis; mortality is high and survivors are often left neurologically disabled. Several factors contribute to this poor outcome, including cerebrovascular involvement with ensuing brain ischemia, hydrocephalus and raised intracranial pressure, direct parenchymal injury, hyponatremia, and seizures. However, there is little standardisation of management with respect to these aspects of care across different centers, largely because the evidence base for much of the supportive treatment of patients with TBM is poor, leading to substantial differences in management protocols. This review emphasizes some of the uncertainties and controversies pertinent to the surgical treatment of hydrocephalus in TBM and the medical supportive management of the patient during the acute phase of the illness, with the aims of raising awareness and stimulating debate. The focus is on the management of hyponatremia, cerebral hemodynamics and intracranial pressure, medical and surgical treatment for hydrocephalus, and the intensive care management of patients in the acute severe stage of the illness. Very little data are available to address these issues with good evidence and so institutional preferences are common; this is perhaps most notable for the management of hydrocephalus, and so in this the review highlights our personal practice. The brain needs protection while the source of the illness is addressed. Without attention to these aspects of management there will always be a limit to the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy in TBM, so there is a strong imperative for the controversies to be resolved and the limitations of our current care to be addressed. Existing protocols should be rigorously examined and novel strategies to protect the brain should be explored. To this end, a prospective, multi-disciplinary and multi-centered approach may yield answers to the questions raised in this review.

HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis--diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis (TBM) poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and carries a dismal prognosis. In this review, we present the clinical features and management of HIV-associated TBM, and compare this to disease in HIV-uninfected individuals. Although the clinical presentation, laboratory findings and radiological features of TBM are similar in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients, some important differences exist. HIV-infected patients present more frequently with extra-meningeal tuberculosis and systemic features of HIV infection. In HIV-associated TBM, clinical course and outcome are influenced by profound immunosuppression at presentation, emphasising the need for earlier diagnosis of HIV infection and initiation of antiretroviral treatment.

Minimally invasive neurosurgery for cerebrospinal fluid disorders

This article focuses on minimally invasive approaches used to address disorders of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. The author covers the primary CSF disorders that are amenable to minimally invasive treatment, including aqueductal stenosis, fourth ventricular outlet obstruction (including Chiari malformation), isolated lateral ventricle, isolated fourth ventricle, multiloculated hydrocephalus, arachnoid cysts, and tumors that block CSF flow. General approaches to evaluating disorders of CSF circulation, including detailed imaging studies, are discussed. Approaches to minimally invasive management of such disorders are described in general, and for each specific entity. For each procedure, indications, surgical technique, and known outcomes are detailed. Specific complications as well as strategies for their avoidance and management are addressed. Lastly, future directions and the need for structured outcome studies are discussed.

Anaesthesia for endoscopic neurosurgical procedures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endoscopic neurosurgical procedures are becoming more frequent and popular in the treatment of intracranial disease. When endoscopy involves the intraventricular structures, irrigating solutions are required and may contribute to sudden and sharp increases in intracranial pressure. More recently, nasal endoscopic approach has been used to perform skull base surgery for aneurysms and tumours. We have analysed published articles in order to detect anaesthesia management and perioperative complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sudden and dangerously low decreases in cerebral perfusion pressures do not provoke the 'traditional Cushing's response' usually associated with significantly high intracranial pressure. It is important to note that tachycardia (not bradycardia) and/or hypertension are the most frequent haemodynamic complications during neuroendoscopic procedures. With the transnasal approach severe intraoperative haemorrhage is the most important complication to consider followed by direct injury to surrounding neural structures.

SUMMARY

Invasive arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure should be measured continuously during neuroendoscopies to detect early intraoperative cerebral ischaemia instead of waiting for the appearance of bradycardia which may be a late sign. General anaesthesia remains the technique of choice. Intracranial haemorrhage increases the likelihood of perioperative complications. Close postoperative monitoring is required to diagnose and treat complications such as convulsions, persistent hydrocephalus, haemorrhage or electrolytic imbalance.