Atypical presentation of delayed communicating hydrocephalus after supratentorial glioma resection with opening of the ventricles

Abstract

We report four cases of communicating hydrocephalus, requiring shunt placement, in the subset of patients whose ventricles were breached at the time of glioma resection (a total 97 cases over 3 years). The hydrocephalus in these cases presented without ventricular dilatation on computed tomography (CT) scanning, and in 3 cases without headache. Failure to progress, visual deterioration or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in the post-operative patient after tumour resection with ventricular opening should alert clinicians to the possibility of hydrocephalus, despite the absence of headache or ventriculomegaly, and lumbar puncture should be performed without delay.

Keywords::

• glioma
• glioblastoma multiforme
• hydrocephalus
• tumour;
• ventriculoperitoneal shunt
• surgical resection

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients discussed, and to their families.

Declaration of Interests

The authors report no conflicts of interest.