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Split cerebral aqueduct: a neuroendoscopic illustration

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Abstract

Purpose

Forking of the cerebral aqueduct is a developmental malformation that is infrequently encountered by neurosurgeons as a rare cause of hydrocephalus, sometimes with a delayed onset. The etiology of an apparently forked aqueduct might be different. However, neuroendoscopy can often be the optimal treatment. The purpose of this study was to review the literature by analyzing the anatomical, functional, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of this unusual condition and adding our personal cases.

Methods

We present a case of forking of the cerebral aqueduct that was detected in vivo and treated with a flexible scope. A thorough review of the pertinent literature is also discussed. In the past years, diagnosis of forked aqueduct was possible only postmortem.

Results

A forked aqueduct is occasionally encountered in patients when a delayed hydrocephalic decompensation occurs.

Conclusions

Flexible neuroendoscopy enables for a direct, in vivo diagnosis and immediate treatment through a third ventriculostomy.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. No funding nor financial support was received for this work. The authors declare no industry affiliation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, NOCSAE Modena Hospital, Via Giardini 1355, 41126, Baggiovara, Modena, Italy

    Alberto Feletti

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Treviso Hospital—University of Padova, Treviso, Italy

    Alessandro Fiorindi & Pierluigi Longatti

Authors
  1. Alberto Feletti
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  2. Alessandro Fiorindi
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  3. Pierluigi Longatti
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Correspondence to Alberto Feletti.

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Feletti, A., Fiorindi, A. & Longatti, P. Split cerebral aqueduct: a neuroendoscopic illustration. Childs Nerv Syst 32, 199–203 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-015-2827-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-015-2827-y

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