Communicating hydrocephalus due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
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.
Department of Neurology, Topiwala National Medical College and Bai Yamunabai Laxman Nair Hospital, A L Nair Road, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Rahul T
RT
Chakor
Sandeep
S
Jakhere
Bhakti Yeragi
BY
Gavai
N S
NS
Santhosh
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; hydrocephalus; ventriculoperitoneal shunt