Diagnosis and treatment of negative pressure hydrocephalus: analysis of 5 cases and literature review / 中国综合临床

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment of negative pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the 5 patients with NPH admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. All of the patients underwent lumbar puncture and ventricular puncture to test the pressure. Three patients underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), the outcome of the patients was observed.Results:The pressure of subarachnoid was not equal to intraventricular, and the pressure of intraventricular was negative. Cisternography showed cerebrospinal fluid circulation obstruction in all 5 cases. The symptoms of 1 patient were improved after external negative pressure drainage, 3 patients were improved after further ETV and 1 patient had pulmonary infection without further surgical treatment.Conclusion:With the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid circulation, the pressure of lateral ventricle and subarachnoid is different, when the pressure of brain or subarachnoid drop, the ventricular expansion under the effect of pressure gradient, intraventricular pressure drop even for the negative pressure. CT cisternography provides strong evidence for the diagnosis of this disease. External ventricular drainage with negative pressure and ETV are effective treatment methods.

Cisternografía radioisotópica con 99Tc-DTPA para confirmación diagnóstica de la hidrocefalia oculta normotensa / 99 Tc-DTPA radionuclide cisternography to confirm the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente que ingresó en el Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras con antecedentes de etilismo crónico y cuadro clínico progresivo de deterioro cognitivo-conductual, trastornos de la marcha y esfinterianos, a quien se le realizó una cisternografía radioisotópica con el objetivo de comprobar su eficacia en el estudio de la dinámica del líquido cefalorraquídeo para diagnosticar la hidrocefalia oculta normotensa. La resonancia magnética de cráneo evolutiva evidenció hidrocefalia y la cisternografía radioisotópica confirmó el diagnóstico de hidrocefalia oculta normotensa. A la paciente se le realizó una derivación ventrículo peritoneal con la que se obtuvo una respuesta clínica evolutiva favorable. Se concluye que la cisternografía radioisotópica continúa siendo una herramienta útil para confirmar este diagnóstico y predecir la respuesta al tratamiento derivativo(AU)

A female patient who was admitted to Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical and Surgical Hospital is presented here. She had a history of chronic alcohol abuse and progressive clinical deterioration of cognitive behavioral, abnormal gait and sphincter disorders. This patient had a radioisotope cisternography in order to test its effectiveness in the study of the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid, and to diagnose normotensive hidden hydrocephalus. This MRI revealed hydrocephalus and skull evolutionary radioisotope cisternography confirmed the diagnosis of normal pressure hidden hydrocephalus. This patient received a shunt with a favorable evolutionary clinical response. It is concluded that cisternography radioisotope remains a useful tool to confirm this diagnosis and predict response to derivative treatment(AU)

The application of iohexol CT cisternography in the detection of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore how to improve the sensitivity and specificity of CT cisternography (CTC) examination.Methods The clinical data of 20 cases of CTC in detecting cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea were analyzed,and the influence of continuous dripping of fluid and the filling time of subarachnoid space upon the image quality were observed.Results Nineteen cases of active cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea were found with CTC,and the fistula sites were determined by CTC.Eighteen cases received operation which confirmed the fistula sites.One case was found with no active fistula site.According to the image of ethmoid sinus leaks results,7 cases had better image quality in 9 cases whose subarachnoid space filling time was longer than or equal to 10 min.One case had better image quality in 6 cases whose subarachnoid space filling time was shorter than 10 min.There was significant difference (P =0.0406).Conclusion To raise the positive rate of CTC,the position of active fistula should be maintained and keep the time between the injection and scan longer than or equal to 10 min,which help to get better image quality.

A Case of Bilateral Trochlear Nerve Palsy Following Cisternography

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral trochlear nerve palsy following cisternography. CASE SUMMARY: A 43-year-old male with intermittent watery rhinorrhea persisting for 3 months visited the neurosurgery department of our institute. His past medical history included removal of a pituitary adenoma 22 years prior to presentation. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was suspected and cisternography was performed. The patient was referred to our ophthalmology department for diplopia 3 days after the cisternography. An alternate prism cover test showed 5 prism diopter (PD) right hypertrophia in the primary position, and underaction of bilateral superior oblique muscles and overaction of the left inferior oblique muscle. A positive Bielschowsky test with the head tilted to either side was observed and excyclotorsion was 9degrees on the double Maddox rod test. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral trochlear nerve palsy. After 2 years of follow-up, diplopia persisted and recession of the bilateral inferior oblique muscles was performed. After the surgery, diplopia disappeared, the fundus photography showed no excyclotorsion, and the double Maddox rod test indicated 3degrees of excyclotorsion. CONCLUSIONS: Cisternography should be carefully performed due to the possibility of bilateral trochlear nerve palsy, an extremely rare but possible occurrence following the procedure.

MR Imaging of the Internal Auditory Canal and Inner Ear at 3T: Comparison between 3D Driven Equilibrium and 3D Balanced Fast Field Echo Sequences

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of 3D driven equilibrium (DRIVE) imaging with 3D balanced fast field echo (bFFE) imaging in the assessment of the anatomic structures of the internal auditory canal (IAC) and inner ear at 3 Tesla (T). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty ears of 15 subjects (7 men and 8 women; age range, 22-71 years; average age, 50 years) without evidence of ear problems were examined on a whole-body 3T MR scanner with both 3D DRIVE and 3D bFFE sequences by using an 8-channel sensitivity encoding (SENSE) head coil. Two neuroradiologists reviewed both MR images with particular attention to the visibility of the anatomic structures, including four branches of the cranial nerves within the IAC, anatomic structures of the cochlea, vestibule, and three semicircular canals. RESULTS: Although both techniques provided images of relatively good quality, the 3D DRIVE sequence was somewhat superior to the 3D bFFE sequence. The discrepancies were more prominent for the basal turn of the cochlea, vestibule, and all semicircular canals, and were thought to be attributed to the presence of greater magnetic susceptibility artifacts inherent to gradient-echo techniques such as bFFE. CONCLUSION: Because of higher image quality and less susceptibility artifacts, we highly recommend the employment of 3D DRIVE imaging as the MR imaging choice for the IAC and inner ear.

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension after Post-dural Puncture Headache : A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) occurs without any preceding events such as lumbar puncture, surgery, trauma, or medical illness. It is characterized by a postural headache that is aggravated whilst in the erect or sitting position, and is relieved in the supine position. A postural headache usually resolves either spontaneously or with conservative treatment. An epidural block is a very important treatment for lumbago and is mostly performed for pain control. However, an incidental dural puncture is possible during epidural block and anesthesiology and pain medicine doctor should be familiar with an epidural block. Radioisotope cisternography is a highly sensitive, reliable and safe technique for confirming of the presence and location of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. We report two cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension that was diagnosed by SIH through cisternography in a situation where the post-dural puncture headache was primarily suspected as being the cause. If a postural headache occurs after an epidural block through an epidural needle without CSF leakage, other causes e.g. dural puncture need to be identified.

Extraordinarily Long-Term Posttraumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula

Most posttraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is noticed by the patients with the first symptom, rhinorrhea. A 38-year-old woman presented with frequent clear continuous rhinorrhea and otorrhea for 5 years after basilar skull fracture. After this, meningitis was developed with subsequent CSF fistula. Her clinical symptom was improved by medical treatment. The dural defect and CSF leakage were not detected by computerized tomography (CT) cisternography. We report a rare case of persistent posttraumatic CSF fistula that continued for five years.

Effectiveness of Radionuclide Cisternography to Detect the Leakage Site of CSF in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension; Preliminary Report / 핵의학분자영상

PURPOSE: Although radionuclide cisternography (RNC) is an useful study to detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in the patient with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), it sometimes fails to demonstrate the site of CSF leakage. The aim of the study is to improve the detection of leakage site of CSF and to reduce time for the study in RNC using modified protocol (m-RNC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consists of 8 studies of 7 patients (38+/-8 years, M:F=2:5) with SIH, who underwent m-RNC following administration of 185-222 MBq of 99mTc-DTPA into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Sequential images were obtained the whole spine with the head including urinary bladder at 10 minute, 30 minute, 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour and 6 hour. Radioactivity of extradural space and urinary bladder was evaluated. RESULTS: Leakage site of CSF was identified in all 8 cases by m-RNC. Leakage site was cervicothoracic junction (CTJ, n=3), CTJ with C1-2 (n=2), CTJ with thoracic spine, thoracolumbar spine and lumbar spine (each n=1). All cases presented leakage sites within 1 hour and multiple sites, where CTJ was included in 6 cases. Only one case presented additional site in 6 hour image. Early radioactivity within the urinary bladder was noted in 6 cases, but that was following after identification of the leakage site. CONCLUSION: Radionuclide cisternography is sensitive to detect the leakage site of CSF and is expected to improve the detection of CSF leakage site and reduce time for the study using modified protocol.

Two Cases of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension with Subdural Hematoma / 대한마취과학회지

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an uncommon disease which present as a spontaneously occurring postural headache. Diagnosis is supported by a low CSF pressure by lumbar puncture, diffuse dural enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI, or by a CSF leakage site on a radioisotope cisternography or by computed tomographic myelography. Usually SIH treatment is conservative but often requires caffeine, steroids, continuous epidural saline infusion and an epidural blood patch. The most important complication of SIH is bilateral subdural hematoma (SDH), because it may require urgent neurosurgical intervention. We experienced two-cases of SIH with SDH treated with an epidural blood patch, but subdural hematoma increased after radioisotope cisternography, so burr hole drainage was performed with another epidural blood patch.

Usefulness of Intrathecal Gadolinium Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Cisternography in Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula: Case Report

Accurate localization of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) fistulae makes the planning of surgery easier, increases the chances of successful dural repair and eliminates negative exploration. The authors report our early experience with intrathecal use of gadolinium DTPA(Gd-DTPA) magnetic resonance(MR) cisternography for evaluation of CSF leakage and localization. By means of lumbar puncture, a single dose of 1ml of gadolinium DTPA mixed with 4ml NaCl 5% was injected. The images were interpreted by comparing those before and after injection. Three patients showed leakage of contrast material through the cribriform plate into the ethmoid or sphenoid air cells. No leakage was observed in one patient. The study results show the relatively safety and feasibility of low-dose Gd-DTPA MR cisternography in confirming the presence and determining the focus of active CSF leaks.

The Value of MR Cisternography in Epidermoids of the Cerebellopontine Angle / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the usefulness of MR cisternography in epidermoids of the cerebellopontine angle (C-P angle).Methods The findings of MR cisternography of epidermoids of the C-P angle in 19 cases confirmed by surgery were analysed retrospectirey.The signal intensity of tumors,the effect on nerves and vessels by tumor were evaluated.Results MR cisternography depicted tumors as slight-medium hypointense (n=19) to CSF. 84% of patients had involvement of the trigeminal nerves (n=16); 42% of patients had involvement of the facial nerve and the acoustic nerve (n=8); 26% of patients had involvement of the internal carotid artery (n=5); 21% of patients had involvement of the vertebral-base artery (n=4). Conclusion MR cisternography contributes to show the anatomic details of the C-P angle and clearly depicte the relationship between tumors and nerves as well as vessels. Thus it can provide useful informations for the presurgical planning and approach of C-P angle epidermoids.

Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts:CT Cisternography and Its Clinical Significance / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the classification of intracranial arachroid cysts(IAC) in CT cisternography(CTC) and its clinicalapplication.Methods 22 cases of IAC diagnosed by plain CT underwent CTC exminaton. IACs were classified into noncommnicatingintracranial arachnoid cyst (NCIAC) and commnicating intracranial arachnoid cyst (CIAC) by wheather or not filled with contrast media in cysts on CTC. NCIAC cases were selected and treated with neuroendoscopic fenestration.Results 15 cases of NCIAC were found by CTC examination. All the NCIAC patients had definite neurologic findings. Postoperatively, all the patients were improved or cured. Follow-upplain CT scan of 9 NCIAC cases showed the cysts were decreased markedly in size, most of the space around the cysts were replaced bynormal cerebral tissue.Conclusion (1)CTC is simple ,safe and specific for making a final diagnosis of IAC. IACs can be classified into CIAC and NCIAC by CTC findings.(2)Neurosurgical indication for IAC is NCIAC patients with symptoms.

Evaluation of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Using Radionuclide Cisternography / 대한핵의학회잡지

We report four cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension that were investigated by radionuclide cisternography Tc-99m-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid radionuclide cisternography of all our patients showed direct sign of cerebrospinal fluid leakage as well as indirect signs of less activity than expected over the cerebral convexities and rapid appearance of bladder activity. The headache of all patients was eventually controlled with bed rest and hydration.

A Case of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Detection of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage by Early Dynamic Radionuclide Cisternography / 대한핵의학회잡지

Although cerebrospinal fluid leakage is suggested as one of the causes of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, on]y a few cases with direct evidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage on radionuclide cisternography have been reported in the literature Indirect evidences of cerebrospinal fluid leakage such as early visualization of the soft tissue and bladder or delayed migration of radiotracer have been observed in most patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. We report a case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension in which cerebrospinal fluid leakage was directly demonstrated by early dynamic imaging of spine on radionuclide cisternography. We suggest that early dynamic imaging of spine is an important adjunctive procedure in detecting cerebrospinal fluid leakage in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Radionuclide Cisternographic Findings in Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: Radionuclide cisternography may be helpful in understanding pathophysiology of postural headache and low CSF pressure in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The purpose of this study was to characterize radionuclide cisternographic findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consists of 15 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Diagnosis was based on their clinical symptoms and results of lumbar puncture. All patients underwent radionuclide cisternography following injection of 111 to 222 MBq of Tc-99m DTPA into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Sequential images were obtained between 1/2 hour and 24 hour after the injection of Tc-99m DTPA. Radioactivity of the bladder, soft tissue uptake, migration of radionuclide in the subarachnoid space, and extradural leakage of radionuclide were evaluated according to the scan time. RESULTS: Radionuclide cisternogram showed delayed migration of radionuclide into the cerebral convexity (14/15), increased soft tissue uptake (11/15), and early visualization of bladder activity at 30 min (6/10) and 2 hr (13/13). Cisternography also demonstrated leakage site of CSF in 4 cases and 2 of these were depicted at 30 min. Epidural blood patch was done in 11 patients and headache was improved in all cases. CONCLUSION: The characterstic findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension were delayed migration of radionuclide and early visualization of the soft tissue and bladder activity. These scintigraphic findings suggest that CSF leakage rather than increased CSF absorption or decreased production may be the main pathophysiology of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Early and multiple imaging including the bladder and soft tissue is required to observe the entire dynamics of radionuclide migration.

Radioisotope Cisternographic Analysis of Post-operative Subdural Hygroma after Aneurysmal Surgery

Authors analyzed the post-operative subdural hygroma using radioisotope(RI) cisternography in 30 cases following aneurysmal surgery with pterional approach from October, 1995 to March, 1996. Age, CSF flow from basal cisterns, and etent of opening of Liliequist's membrane during operation were significantly related to the development of post-operative subdural hygroma. Computed tomography(CT) scan of brain and RI cisternography were performed in all patients at three weeks following operations. RI diffusion time from the interpeduncular cistern to the cerebral convexity of ipsilateral side with surgically opened Liliequist's membrane was compared with contralateral nonoperated normal side. Diffusion time of ipsilateral side(mean 5.2+/-8.4hr) was faster than that of contralateral one. Age, cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) from basal cistern, and extent of opening of Liliequist's membrane during operation were significantly related to development of post-operative subdural hygroma. Development of subdural hygroma after pterional approach for aneurysmal operations in our series is believed to be caused by stagnation of CSF in the convexity until its absorption into the arachnoid villi. Increased CSF flow from the infratentorial space to the supratentorial space through extensively opened Liliequist's membrane is considered to contribute development of its formation.

The Roll of Continuous ICP Monitoring for the Application of Shunt Operation in Adult Ventriculomegaly Patients

We evaluated one month follow-up results of the 12 adult patients who showed ventriculomegaly in the aspects of symptoms. Evans ratio, periventricular low density, grades of radio-isotope cisternography, and grades of continuous intracranial pressure monitoring that were classified on the pressure wave and basal pressure level. The grades of continuous ICP monitoring were compared to the grades of radio-isotope cisternography. History, symptoms, CT findings, and radio-isotope cisternography are often helpful to decide shunt operation but sometimes continuous intracranial pressure monitoring gives invaluable information.

Analysis of the Effect of Lumboperitoneal Shunt and the Prognostic Factors in Communicating Hydrocephalus

The effect of lumboperitoneal(LP) shunt and the prognostic factors of 40 cases of communicating hydrocephalus confirmed by brain computerized tomography(CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and radioisotope cisternography(RI) were analyzed. Possible prognostic factors such as disease entity, CT or MRI findings, and the type of radioisotope cisternography were compared to improvement of clinical status after LP shunt. The etiology of communicating hydrocephalus in the analyzed 40 cases included trauma in 13 cases(32.5%), subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) in 12 cases(30%), intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH) in 10 cases(25%), and idiopathic in 5 cases(12.5%). An overall clinical improvement after LP shunt was seen in 22 cases(55%). However, in 17 cases of SAH and idiopathic group, improvement after LP shunt was seen in 13 cases(75%), indicating that LP shunt is more effective in SAH/idiopathic group than trauma/ICH group(p<0.05). Many findings of brain CT/MRI such as Evan's index, periventricular low density, 3rd ventricular width, obliteration of cerebral sulci, rounding of frontal horn, and cortical atrophy were analyzed as prognostic factors. Except for the absence of cortical atrophy(p<0.05), none of the factors were related to the patient's outcome. The type of abnormal RI cisternography findings(Typ I, II, III) also did not show any relationship with the effectiveness of LP shunt. These findings suggest that SAH/idiopathic group were more favorable candidates for LP shunt than trauma/ICH group, and that there are no reliable brain CT/MRI findings indicating a good prognosis after LP shunt except for the absence of cortical atrophy. RI cisternography findings are also not a reliable diagnostic tool in evaluating the indication of LP shunt in communicating hydrocephalus.

Treatment of Hydrocephalus Following the Operation of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Hydrocephalus, which is one of the major complications following intracranial aneurysm operations, can prevent patients from improvement of consciousness, symptoms and signs that can be expected after operation. Whenever there is no evidence of appreciable improvement after intracranial aneurysm operation, follow-up brain CT scannings will reveal the development of hydrocephalus. And also radioisotope cisternography and clinical findings could be clarified as Glasgow coma scale(GCS) and Hunt & Hess classification, which will help clinicians making a decision on shunt operation. Among 183 patients of subarachnoiod hemorrhage admitted, 92 patients were operated on due to intracranial aneurysms. Nine patients(9.8%) of them were underwent shunt operations because of hydrocephalus following intracranial aneurysm operations. Eight patients showed improvement of clinical findings and 9 patients have been improved according to GCS score.

Hydrocephalus in Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the management of hydrocephalus following ruptured intracranial aneurysms. The authors analyzed 223 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) during the last two years retrospectively. The results are summarized as follows. Eighty patients(35.9%) showed ventricular dilatation on a brain CT scan. Twenty-five patients(11.2%) required shunt surgery. Hydrocephalus was closely related to the amount of hemorrhage and the location of the ruptured aneurysm. Two of 9 patients with acute hydrocephalus, who were managed by extraventricular drainage(EVD) before definite aneurysm surgery. The shunt surgery was done before aneurysm surgery in 16 patients and rebleeding occurred in 3 patients. Radioactive isotope(RI) cisternography diagnosed communicating hydrocephalus in 11 patients and the lumboperitoneal shunt was performed in those cases. It is concluded that hydrocephalus following aneurysmal SAH is the communicating type, an indication for shunt surgery could be determined by RI cisternography, and lumboperitoneal shunting seems to be the best treatment of choice to avoid rapid decompression of the ventricles and to protect the already compromised cerebral hemisphere. Decompression of the ventricles before aneurysmal surgery should be avoided whenever possible.