Vestibular Schwannomas and communicating hydrocephalus: A clinical challenge

Abstract

Vestibular Schwannomas (VS) can cause both obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus (CH). While the first is due to mass-effect, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VS-induced CH are still unclear. The main hypothesis links the proteins secreted by the VS in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the impaired CSF absorption through arachnoid granulations. Clinical picture and neuroimaging can mimic a normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), but the evolution can be much variable, as shown in this case-report.