Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Symptomatic Long-standing Overt Ventriculomegaly

Is endoscopic third ventriculostomy a viable treatment option for normal pressure hydrocephalus? A systematic review

Background

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is considered an alternative treatment for hydrocephalus and has become a standard of care for obstructive hydrocephalus. Recent studies have also explored its role in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). We conducted a systematic review aiming to assess the outcomes of this minimally invasive endoscopic technique as a viable treatment option for NPH.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Scopus databases, using iterations of search terms "Endoscopic third ventriculostomy," "Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus," and "Normal pressure hydrocephalus." To be eligible for inclusion in the review, articles had to report the usage of ETV as a primary treatment modality for NPH, report its outcomes, and be published in the English language.

Results

Out of the 13 studies selected for qualitative synthesis, nine supported the use of ETV for NPH as an effective treatment option with improvement in the preoperative symptoms. Two studies favored shunt over ETV, stating that quality of life is better with VP shunt insertion. One study reported that ETV has higher perioperative mortality rates that outweigh its benefits. One study reported it to be an ineffective surgical option.

Conclusion

The current review of evidence does not support the use of ETV for the treatment of NPH, except perhaps in a small subset of patients. These patients have a shorter duration of symptoms and a better preoperative neurological status. The lumbar infusion test and ventricular infusion test are modalities useful for selecting these candidates.

Factors affecting endoscopic third ventriculostomy success in adults

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a standard treatment in hydrocephalus of certain aetiologies. The most widely used predictive model is the ETV success score. This is frequently used to predict outcomes following ETV in adult patients; however, this was a model developed in paediatric patients with often distinct aetiologies of hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of the model and to identify factors that influence ETV outcomes in adults.

METHODS

A retrospective study design was used to analyse consecutive patients who underwent ETV at a tertiary neurosurgical centre between 2012 and 2020. Observed ETV outcomes at 6 months were compared to pre-operative predicted ETV success scores. A multivariable Bayesian logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors that best predicted ETV success and those factors that were redundant.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients were analysed during the 9-year study. Thirty-one patients underwent further cerebrospinal fluid diversion within 6 months. The overall ETV success rate was 77%. Observed ETV outcomes corresponded well with predicted outcomes using the ETV success score for the higher scores, but less well for lower scores. Location of obstruction at the aqueduct irrespective of aetiology was the best predictor of success with odds of 1.65 of success. Elective procedures were also associated with higher success compared to urgent ones, whereas age under 70, nature and location of obstructive lesion (other than aqueductal) did not influence ETV success.

CONCLUSION

ETV was successful in three-quarters of adult patient with hydrocephalus within 6 months. Obstruction at the level of the aqueduct of any aetiology was a good predictor of ETV success. Clinicians should bear in mind that adult hydrocephalus responds differently to ETV compared to paediatric hydrocephalus, and more research is required to develop and validate an adult-specific predictive tool.

Long-Standing Overt Ventriculomegaly in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Versus Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt as First-Line Treatment

BACKGROUND

Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) is a heterogeneous term describing forms of adult hydrocephalus. LOVA incidence is increasing, yet the optimal treatment strategy for symptomatic cases remains unclear. We compared success rates and complication rates between endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) as first-line treatment for LOVA.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched, and articles published from 2000 to October 2022 were included (last search date October 24, 2022). Success rates and complications of both ETV and VPS were compared using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Of 895 articles identified, 22 studies were included in the analysis (556 patients: 346 in ETV group, 210 in VPS group). Mean age was 44.8 years. The most common presenting symptoms were gait disturbance (n = 178), headache (n = 156), and cognitive decline (n = 134). Combined success rates were 81.8% (n = 283/346) in the ETV group and 86.7% (n = 182/210) in the VPS group (median follow-up 41 months). There was no difference in success rates between ETV and VPS groups (odds ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.86-1.03, I2 = 0%). Combined complication rates were 4.6% (n = 16/346) in the ETV group and 27.1% (n = 57/210) in the VPS group. ETV had a lower rate of postoperative complications (odds ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.33, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic LOVA can be successfully managed with surgical intervention. ETV and VPS have similar success rates when used as first-line treatment. VPS has a higher complication rate.

Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adulthood with primary presentation of psychiatric disturbance: A case report

RATIONALE

Hydrocephalus is a common disease in neurosurgery. The typical symptoms of hydrocephalus include urinary incontinence, gait instability, and cognitive decline. Irritability rarely occurs in patients with hydrocephalus. Irritability rarely occurs in patients with hydrocephalus, especially in long-standing overt ventriculomegaly of adulthood (LOVA).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 30-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of mental retardation and unstable gait for more than 15 years. She had undergone ventriculoperitoneal shunt 15 years prior due to ventriculomegaly and related symptoms. However, the shunt catheter was removed shortly after surgery because of blockage, with no further postoperative treatment.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with long-standing overt ventriculomegaly according to her head circumference and clinical symptoms, including adult hydrocephalus development, overt triventriculomegaly and absence of a secondary cause for aqueductal stenosis in adulthood.

INTERVENTIONS

After considerable discussion, she underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and showed dramatic and sustained improvement.

OUTCOMES

The patient has been followed at 3-month intervals for over 2 years since discharge, and both the patient and family have reported a significant change in their daily life. She was able to live independently and control her emotions. Slight epilepsy was noted approximately 5 months after surgery but recovered 2 months later.

LESSONS

It is difficult to decide whether to treat LOVA when the in patients whose symptoms are not significant. We believe that early diagnosis and positive treatment can help improve outcomes and would recommend ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting in patients with LOVA.

Long-Standing Overt Ventriculomegaly in Adults (LOVA): Diagnostic Aspects, CSF Dynamics with Lumbar Infusion Test and Treatment Options in a Consecutive Series with Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults is a chronic form of hydrocephalus without a clear pathophysiological description and a consensus about the treatment. We present the results of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in a consecutive series with a mean follow-up of 79 ± 23 months, highlighting how the preoperative lumbar infusion test could facilitate understanding the pathophysiology of the disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data regarding clinical assessment, neuroradiological findings, and preoperative lumbar infusion tests in 22 symptomatic patients.

RESULTS

In the majority of cases, patients reported imbalance and gait disorders, and 8 subjects had headaches. The preoperative lumbar infusion test demonstrated a mean opening pressure of 13.95 ± 2.88 mm Hg, with plateau values ranging from 22 to 39 mm Hg. The resistance to outflow was 11.21 ± 2.00 mm Hg/mL/min. After the procedure, all patients reported improvement or halted progression in their presenting symptoms, whereas no significant reduction was demonstrated in Evans' index. One subject underwent a second ETV procedure after more than 2 years because of the failure of the endoscopic approach.

CONCLUSIONS

A progressive exhaustion of brain compliance plays an important role in explaining the dichotomy between severe ventriculomegaly and mild clinical symptoms in patients with long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults. The role of the aqueductal stenosis as a diagnostic criterion might be reconsidered. The preoperative infusion test data support this observation. Preoperative assessment should include not only clinical and neuroradiological evaluation but also the study of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. ETV should be considered the treatment of choice because of its safety and efficacy. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Long-standing Overt Ventriculomegaly in Adults and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy, the Perfect Treatment for the Proper Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) is form of hydrocephalus that develops during childhood, manifesting its symptoms during adulthood. Only a small number of LOVA case series have been published, and controversies regarding optimal management still exist. The authors collected a series of symptomatic LOVA patients treated successfully using endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), aiming to strengthen what has been reported in the literature on ETV's role in both neurologic and neurocognitive outcomes.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2020, we collected 40 case studies of patients treated using an ETV. Associated pathologies were documented in 14 cases. All patients underwent magnetic resonance scans preoperatively and postoperatively while only 29 patients were submitted during follow-up to neurocognitive assessment.

RESULT

At a mean follow-up of 6 years, 36 patients (90%) reported either an improvement or a stabilization of their presenting symptoms. Headache improved subjectively in 11 patients (27.5%), balance and gait disturbances improved in all patients, urinary incontinence improved in 24 patients (60%), memory disturbances subjectively improved in 21 patients (52.5%), and visual deficits improved in 5 patients (12.5%). Four patients (10%) had symptom progression, which occurred 6 to 24 months after surgery with radiologic evidence of ETV failure.

CONCLUSIONS

LOVA is a form of hydrocephalus that must be correctly identified. A correct magnetic resonance study and comprehensive neuropsychologic assessment are crucial to identify it in order to define proper management. From our analysis, ETV represents the gold standard treatment granting rewarding results that are maintained in a long-term follow-up.

Prevalence and Trends in Management of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in the United States: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

Over the past 2 decades, management of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) has evolved significantly. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the national prevalence and management trends of iNPH in the United States using a national database.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample was queried for patients with an International Classification of Diseases diagnosis code for iNPH from 2007 to 2017. Trends in prevalence and procedure type were evaluated per 100,000 discharges and as a percentage of discharges, using weighted discharges. Utilization of procedure type across U.S. regions and hospital types was also compared.

RESULTS

From 2007 to 2017, 302,460 weighted discharges with any diagnosis code for iNPH, aged ≥60 years, were identified. Prevalence ranged from 0.04% to 0.20% (41/100,000 to 202/100,000) among admitted patients ≥60 years old, giving an average prevalence during the study duration of 0.18% (179/100,000). Of 66,759 weighted discharges with a primary diagnosis code of iNPH undergoing surgical management, ventriculoperitoneal shunt (72.0% of discharges, n = 48,977) was most commonly used; of these, 9.3% (n = 4567) were performed laparoscopically. This result was followed by lumbar peritoneal shunt (15.1% of discharges, n = 10,441). Up to 15.1% (n = 9990) of discharges reported only a lumbar puncture, assumed to be only diagnostic, for screening, or part of serial cerebrospinal fluid removal procedures. Significant discrepancies in procedure utilization were also identified among hospitals in the Western, Southern, Northeast and Midwest regions, as well as between urban and rural hospitals (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We have summarized the national prevalence of iNPH, trends in its management over the previous decade and trends by region and hospital type.

Predictors of adverse outcomes and cost after surgical management for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: Analyses from a national database

INTRODUCTION

We utilized a national administrative database to investigate drivers of immediate adverse economic and hospital outcomes, including non-routine discharge, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and admission costs among patients undergoing surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried from 2007 to 2017 for patients aged ≥60 with a diagnosis code for iNPH undergoing surgery. Multivariable logistic-regression models and Wald χ2 were used to identify drivers of non-routine discharge, prolonged length of stay (LOS) (>75th percentile) and higher admission costs (>90th percentile).

RESULTS

A total of 13,363 patients with iNPH undergoing surgical management were identified. The most common comorbidity reported in the cohort was a cardiovascular pathology (56.9 %, n = 7,787), followed by urinary pathology (37.2 %, n = 5,084), osteoarthritis (7.8 %, n = 1,071), Alzheimer's disease (4.6 %, n = 626) and cerebrovascular pathology (4.2 %, n = 569). The most frequently employed procedure was ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt placement (65.6 %, n = 8,942) of which 89.8 % (n = 8,027) were performed open and 10.2 % (n = 915) laparoscopically. This was followed by lumbo-peritoneal (LP) shunting (15.5 %, n = 2,115), lumbar puncture alone (screened, serial CSF removal) (14.8 %, n = 2,013), endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) (2%, n = 274), ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt (0.95 %, n = 130) and ventriculo-pleural (Vpleural) shunt (0.46 %, n = 64). The median (IQR) LOS was 3 days (2-5), the rate of non-routine discharge was 37.3 % and median (IQR) cost was $11,230 ($7,735-15,590). On multivariable-analysis, emergent-admission (OR 2.91), older age (76-90: OR 1.55; 90+: OR 2.66), VP shunt (open: OR 3.09; laparoscopic: OR 2.32), ETV (OR 3.16), VA/VPleural shunt (OR 2.73) and hospital admission in Northeast-region compared to Midwest (OR 1.27) were found to be associated with increased risk of non-routine discharge. Some of the highly significant associated factors for prolonged LOS included emergent-admission (OR 11.34), ETV (OR 10.92), VA/VPleural shunt (OR 7.79) and open VP shunt (OR 8.24). For increased admission costs, some of the highly associated factors included VA/VPleural shunt (OR 18.48), laparoscopic VP shunt (OR 9.92), open VP shunt (OR 12.72) and ETV (OR 9.34). Predictor importance analysis revealed emergent admission, number of diagnosis codes (comorbidities) open VP shunt, hospital region, age] and revision or removal of shunt to be the most important drivers of these outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Analyses from a national database indicate that among patients with iNPH, an emergent-admission may be the most significant risk-factor of adverse economic outcomes and higher costs.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: A Single-Center Experience in Greece

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an important tool in the treatment of various forms of adult hydrocephalus, and its use is evolving over the past years, proving in many cases more effective than the more traditional ventriculoperitoneal shunts. We present the experience from our department while comparing the results and complications with the international literature.

Natural History of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Adults: Serial Evaluation with High-Resolution CISS

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a well-accepted treatment choice for hydrocephalus and is used most frequently with a known impediment to CSF flow between the third ventricle and basal cisterns. However, there are scarce data on the imaging evolution of the defect in the floor of the third ventricle and how this affects patency rates and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether, and how, the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect changes in size with time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All high-resolution endoscopic third ventriculostomy protocol MRIs performed between 2009 through 2014 were retrospectively identified. Two fellowship-trained neuroradiologists, blinded to clinical information, independently reviewed all retrospective cases.

RESULTS

A total of 98 imaging studies were included from 34 patients. The average change in the area throughout the studied period was 0.02 mm²/day (7.5 mm²/year), with a higher increase in size noted in the first 3 postsurgical months, with a gradual decrease in the degree of defect-size change. Use of the NICO Myriad device was correlated with the area of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect on the last follow-up, demonstrating a larger final defect size in patients in whom the surgical technique included debridement of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect walls with the NICO Myriad device (28.21 versus 11.25 mm, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution MR imaging with sagittal CISS images is useful in the postoperative evaluation of endoscopic third ventriculostomies. Such findings may prove useful in determining the optimal duration of follow-up with MR imaging of patients who have undergone endoscopic third ventriculostomy.