Open AccessCommunicating hydrocephalus due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Author(s) -
Rahul T Chakor,
Sandeep Jakhere,
Bhakti Yeragi Gavai,
NS Santhosh
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of indian academy of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.427
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1998-3549
pISSN - 0972-2327
DOI - 10.4103/0972-2327.104350
Subject(s) - medicine , hydrocephalus , shunt (medical) , communicating hydrocephalus , surgery , magnetic resonance imaging , thrombosis , venous thrombosis , lumbar puncture , intracranial pressure , cerebrospinal fluid , anesthesia , radiology
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cerebrovascular disease with variable presentation. CVT rarely causes hydrocephalus. Communicating hydrocephalus due to CVT is extremely rare. We describe a patient of CVT presenting with chronic headache and communicating hydrocephalus. The patient was successfully treated with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. A 40 year old man presented with moderate to severe headache since six months and progressive visual loss since two months. Head Computed tomogram showed mild hydrocephalus without obstruction. Lumbar puncture (LP) demonstrated elevated pressure but was otherwise normal. Magnetic resonance venogram showed extensive CVT. Repeated CSF drainage and thecoperitoneal shunt did not relieve the severe headache hence a VP shunt was placed. Post shunt headache subsided with resolution of hydrocephalus. CVT can present as communicating hydrocephalus. Gradual reduction of intra-ventricular pressure by repeated LPs followed by VP shunt can safely treat hydrocephalus due to CVT.