Neuroendoscopy Combined with Intraoperative Low-Field Magnetic Imaging for Treatment of Multiloculated Hydrocephalus in a 7-Month-Old Infant: Technical Case Report

P. Tabakow; M. Czyz; W. Jarmundowicz; W. Zub

doi:10.1055/s-0031-1283169

min - Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Table of Contents

Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2011; 54(03): 138-141
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283169

Technical Note

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Neuroendoscopy Combined with Intraoperative Low-Field Magnetic Imaging for Treatment of Multiloculated Hydrocephalus in a 7-Month-Old Infant: Technical Case Report

Authors

P. Tabakow

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
M. Czyz

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
W. Jarmundowicz

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
W. Zub

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland

Abstract

Background:

Treatment of multiloculated hydrocephalus in children remains a difficult neurosurgical problem because of the high recurrence rate. Endoscopic septostomy with subsequent ventriculoperitoneal shunting is one of the most widely accepted therapeutic methods. Intraventricular endoscopic surgery combined with intraoperative magnetic resonance (MR) has been used very seldom in infants.

Case Report:

A 7-month-old infant presented with a history of postnatal hydrocephalus from the germinal matrix and intraventricular hemorrhage, treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Treatment was complicated by bacterial meningitis. On admission the child presented with symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure, an MR investigation gave evidence of multiloculated hydrocephalus. The patient underwent endoscopic pellucidotomy, followed by fenestration of the septa inside the third ventricle, third ventriculostomy and aqueductoplasty. Endoscopic navigation was supported by serial intraoperative non-contrast T₁-weighted MR (0.15 T, Polestar N20, Medtronic) images. They also served for confirmation of the patency of performed fenestrations and for the planning of further steps of the operation.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative low-field MR imaging provided an excellent tool for correct navigation of the endoscope inside the pathological ventricular compartments and for intraoperative assessment of surgical goals.

Key words

endoscopy - hydrocephalus - ventriculostomy - MRI - intraoperative imaging

Full Text

References

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