Article
Hydrocephalus and racemose cysticercosis: surgical alternative by endoscopic third ventriculostomy
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Authors
Published: | May 4, 2005 |
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Outline
Text
Objective
Hydrocephalus is a frequent and potentially serious complication of neurocysticercosis. Its treatment often requires ventricular shunting. This technique comprises a high complication rate (obstruction, infection of the material), which may justify endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV).
Methods
The authors report a case of obstructive hydrocephalus in a 46-year-old man in the context of racemose cysticercosis, presenting with headaches and transient disorders of consciousness. Imaging showed cystic lesions of the cisterna magna, responsible for hydrocephalus which was treated effectively by ETV. Treatment with albendazole decreased the volume of the cisterna magna cysts.
Results
The patient was followed for 6 years after ETV with no recurrence of hydrocephalus despite another two symptomatic episodes of the disease with extension of the cysts into the lumen of the fourth ventricle and into the perispinal subarachnoid spaces, effectively treated by albendazole each time.
Conclusions
Treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary of cerebral racemose cysticercosis by ETV seems to be an effective and safety technic. The place of ETV should be evaluated in this indication.