Effect of meningomyelocele closure on the intracranial pulse pressure.
Intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored in a 12-year-old child before and after closure of a large, skin-covered meningomyelocele. Significant cerebrospinal fluid pulse pressure augmentation was observed over a spectrum of pressures following sac closure. Linear regression analysis was done to define pulse pressure-ICP relationships before and after surgery, and a significant increase in the regression slope was noted postoperatively. It is suggested that the unoperated meningomyelocele defect served as a shock absorber to dampen the intracranial pulse pressure. Meningomyelocele closure removes this shock absorber effect, resulting in pulse pressure augmentation.
D001794:Blood Pressure; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology*; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011674:Pulse