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Short-term subarachnoid space drainage: a potential treatment for extraventricular hydrocephalus

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Abstract

Introduction

Extraventricular hydrocephalus (EVOH), defined as the enlargement of all CSF compartments in the absence of an obstructing lesion, is usually associated with an increased head circumference and a relatively benign clinical course. Occasionally, because of concern about increased intracranial pressure (ICP), treatment with diuretics is initiated. In most cases, surgical drainage or diversion is not indicated. EVOH may follow a more alarming clinical course and be associated with developmental delay and/or other symptoms of increased ICP.

Case report

We describe a 6-month-old girl with EVOH and developmental delay who was treated with temporary drainage of the subarachnoid space. Clinical response was immediate, with stabilization of the head circumference and improvement in motor performance. We propose that such a surgical procedure might be considered for more frequent use in selected cases.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Gloria Ginzach and Charlotte Sachs of the Editorial Board, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus for their assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Day Care Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqva, Israel

    Tal Eidlitz-Markus & Avinoam Shuper

  2. Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizman Street, 64239, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Shlomi Constantini

  3. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Shlomi Constantini

Authors
  1. Tal Eidlitz-Markus
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  2. Avinoam Shuper
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  3. Shlomi Constantini
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Correspondence to Shlomi Constantini.

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Eidlitz-Markus, T., Shuper, A. & Constantini, S. Short-term subarachnoid space drainage: a potential treatment for extraventricular hydrocephalus. Childs Nerv Syst 19, 367–370 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-003-0751-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-003-0751-z

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