title: Adult idiopathic communicating hydrocephalus with and without shunting.
abstract: The outcome in 37 adult patients with idiopathic communicating hydrocephalus treated by ventriculoatrial shunting is presented. Only 33% showed definite improvement, and no diagnostic procedures accurately predicted the outcome of surgery. These were compared with a "control" group of 12 patients who were not shunted; 50% of these were stable for up to 36 months. These findings, and the high frequency of serious complications (35%), suggest caution in recommending a shunt procedure.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000209:etiology; D014695:Cerebral Ventriculography; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D011011:Pneumoencephalography; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011379:Prognosis; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology