ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
Background: Teratomas are a rare subgroup of CNS germ cell tumors and are histologically classified into mature teratomas, immature teratomas, and teratomas with malignant transformation. CNS teratomas are infrequently found in the posterior fossa and pure mature teratomas of posterior fossa are rare especially in adults. We present a case of a young adult female with a mature teratoma in the cisterna magna. Case Description: A 26-year-old female presented to the neurosurgery clinic with headache, nausea and vomiting for the past 1 year. She was found to have dysdiadochokinesia on neurological examination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a-well defined lesion, hyperintense on T1 and hypointense on T2-weighted sequences located within the cisterna magna. She underwent a suboccipital craniotomy with resection of lesion. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma. Conclusion: Mature teratomas located in the posterior fossa among adults are rare in the literature. We report the second case of mature teratoma in the cisterna magna of an adult patient.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Intracranial cysts in the prepontine region are rare and can lead to various complications if not managed appropriately. Symptomatic prepontine cysts may require surgical intervention. However, spontaneous resolution of such cysts is rarely reported in literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the case of a middle-aged lady who presented with headaches and imbalance, with no focal neurological deficits on examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed a prepontine cyst compressing the brainstem with craniocaudal extension through the foramen magnum. The patient was given symptomatic treatment and followed closely with repeat MRI scans. These scans showed regression and eventual disappearance of the lesion, with complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: In light of the few reported cases of spontaneous resolution of prepontine cysts, we highlight the possibility of these lesions to self-resolve.
