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The truth and coherence behind the concept of overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid in hydrocephalic patients

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Abstract

Introduction

Overdrainage, siphoning, and slit-ventricle syndrome are well-documented complications of shunting in hydrocephalic patients. Despite the prevalence of these conditions, their mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this paper, the authors trace the concept of overdrainage and the related phenomena of siphoning and slit-ventricle syndrome.

Purpose

To provide a historical overview of overdrainage and to reignite discussion of a topic that has been settled.

Methods and results

A medical literature search and review were performed via Google Scholar. Of 565 publications, 3 primary papers were identified and a timeline was developed demonstrating the convergence of the aforementioned concepts. From the primary papers, 25 relevant publications were selected and further analyzed searching for hypothesis, evidence, and conclusions.

Conclusion

Overdrainage, siphoning, and slit-ventricle syndrome are associated concepts that have converged into a pathophysiological theory where siphoning of CSF leads to overdrainage, which is then hypothesized to cause slit-ventricle syndrome in a small subset of patients. Our data suggests that while there have been numerous reports regarding overdrainage and its consequences, the evidence is not as robust as currently presumed and this subject requires prospective exploration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 13-154 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Stephanie Cheok, Jason Chen & Jorge Lazareff

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  1. Stephanie Cheok
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  2. Jason Chen
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  3. Jorge Lazareff
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Correspondence to Jorge Lazareff.

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Cheok, S., Chen, J. & Lazareff, J. The truth and coherence behind the concept of overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid in hydrocephalic patients. Childs Nerv Syst 30, 599–606 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-013-2327-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-013-2327-x

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