Abstract
The intrathecal infusion test leads to a more accurate diagnosis of communicating hydrocephalus, and is useful in identifying those patients with insufficient cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption who are most likely to improve after a shunt operation. Furthermore, shunt function can be evaluated by assessing the CSF absorption of shunt-operated patients in the same way. Some patients do not improve after surgery because of irreversible or shunt-independent neurological and radiological signs, while the postoperative infusion test demonstrates a normal shunt function. The clinical condition and neuroradiological picture of such patients cannot be improved by shunt revision if the implanted shunt already allows a normal CSF outflow. By means of infusion tests the number of patients who need a further operation can be reduced, with a consequent drop in shunt infections, a very welcome aspect especially in pediatric neurosurgery. In our department 298 infusion tests were carried out over a seven-year period, and a decrease in shunt revisions and infections could be observed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
