Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy In Adults Research Articles

Cognitive and gait outcomes after primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults with chronic obstructive hydrocephalus.

The object of this study was to determine the short- and long-term efficacy of primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) on cognition and gait in adults with chronic obstructive hydrocephalus. Patients were prospectively accrued through the Adult Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network patient registry. Patients with previously untreated congenital or acquired obstructive hydrocephalus were included in this study. Gait velocity was assessed using a 10-m walk test. Global cognition was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Only patients with documented pre- and post-ETV gait analysis and/or pre- and post-ETV MoCA were included. A total of 74 patients had undergone primary ETV, 42 of whom were analyzed. The remaining 32 patients were excluded, as they could not complete both pre- and post-ETV assessments. The mean age of the 42 patients, 19 (45.2%) of whom were female, was 51.9 ± 17.1 years (range 19-79 years). Most patients were White (37 [88.1%]), and the remainder were Asian. Surgical complications were minor. Congenital etiologies occurred in 31 patients (73.8%), with aqueductal stenosis in 23 of those patients (54.8%). The remaining 11 patients (26.2%) had acquired cases. The gait short-term follow-up cohort (mean 4.7 ± 4.1 months, 35 patients) had a baseline median gait velocity of 0.9 m/sec (IQR 0.7-1.3 m/sec) and a post-ETV median velocity of 1.3 m/sec (IQR 1.1-1.4 m/sec). Gait velocity significantly improved post-ETV with a median within-patient change of 0.3 m/sec (IQR 0.0-0.6 m/sec, p < 0.001). Gait velocity improvements were sustained in the long term (mean 14 ± 2.8 months, 12 patients) with a baseline median velocity of 0.7 m/sec (IQR 0.6-1.3 m/sec), post-ETV median of 1.3 m/sec (IQR 1.1-1.7 m/sec), and median within-patient change of 0.4 m/sec (IQR 0.2-0.6 m/sec, p < 0.001). The cognitive short-term follow-up cohort (mean 4.6 ± 4.0 months, 38 patients) had a baseline median MoCA total score (MoCA TS) of 24/30 (IQR 23-27) that improved to 26/30 (IQR 24-28) post-ETV. The median within-patient change was +1 point (IQR 0-2 points, p < 0.001). However, this change is not clinically significant. The cognitive long-term follow-up cohort (mean 14 ± 3.1 months, 15 patients) had a baseline median MoCA TS of 23/30 (IQR 22-27), which improved to 26/30 (IQR 25-28) post-ETV. The median within-patient change was +2 points (IQR 1-3 points, p = 0.007), which is both statistically and clinically significant. Primary ETV can safely improve symptoms of gait and cognitive dysfunction in adults with chronic obstructive hydrocephalus. Gait velocity and global cognition were significantly improved, and the worsening of either was rare following ETV.

P.213 Long-Term Improvement Of Gait And Cognition After Primary Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) In Adult Obstructive Hydrocephalus

Background: Adults with obstructive hydrocephalus often present with cognitive and/or gait dysfunction in addition to symptoms of raised ICP. We previously reported improvement of cognitive and gait function 3 months following primary adult ETV. This abstract presents long-term results in this group. Methods: Obstructive hydrocephalus was identified based on tri-ventriculomegaly on CT and/or MRI. Gait velocity (10 m timed gait) and cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) were measured at two timepoints: pre-ETV and ≥9 months post-ETV. Results: Sixteen adults underwent primary ETV and completed a long-term assessment. Mean age was 60 years and 10 (63%) were male. Etiology: 10 (62.5%) congenital and 6 (37.5%) acquired. Mean long-term follow-up time for cognitive and gait assessments was 14.4 and 13.7 months, respectively. The long-term MoCA within patient median change was +2 points (n= 15; p = 0.007). Group medians were 23/30 (pre-ETV) and 26/30 (post-ETV). The long-term gait velocity within patient median change was +0.4 m/s (n= 12; p &lt; 0.001). Group medians were 0.7 m/s (pre-ETV) and 1.3 m/s (post-ETV). Conclusions: ETV in adults with obstructive hydrocephalus results in long-term improvement of cognition and gait velocity when assessed ≥9 months post-ETV. Larger cohorts will determine the generalizability of these results. Hydrocephalus Association supported project.

Natural History of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Adults: Serial Evaluation with High-Resolution CISS.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a well-accepted treatment choice for hydrocephalus and is used most frequently with a known impediment to CSF flow between the third ventricle and basal cisterns. However, there are scarce data on the imaging evolution of the defect in the floor of the third ventricle and how this affects patency rates and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether, and how, the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect changes in size with time. All high-resolution endoscopic third ventriculostomy protocol MRIs performed between 2009 through 2014 were retrospectively identified. Two fellowship-trained neuroradiologists, blinded to clinical information, independently reviewed all retrospective cases. A total of 98 imaging studies were included from 34 patients. The average change in the area throughout the studied period was 0.02 mm2/day (7.5 mm2/year), with a higher increase in size noted in the first 3 postsurgical months, with a gradual decrease in the degree of defect-size change. Use of the NICO Myriad device was correlated with the area of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect on the last follow-up, demonstrating a larger final defect size in patients in whom the surgical technique included debridement of the endoscopic third ventriculostomy defect walls with the NICO Myriad device (28.21 versus 11.25 mm, P < .05). High-resolution MR imaging with sagittal CISS images is useful in the postoperative evaluation of endoscopic third ventriculostomies. Such findings may prove useful in determining the optimal duration of follow-up with MR imaging of patients who have undergone endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Adults

To describe long-term outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in adults with hydrocephalus. Single-institution retrospective review of adults treated with ETV between 1998 and 2006. Patient demographic, treatment, and follow-up data were collected. The patients were divided into 2 groups: primary ETV for patients with previously untreated or newly diagnosed hydrocephalus and secondary ETV for patients with a previous shunt presenting with shunt malfunction. ETV outcome was deemed successful if the patient remained shunt-free after ETV. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox regression. The study population comprised 190 patients, with a median age of 43 years (range, 16-79 years). The median duration of follow-up was 112 months (range, 1-190 months). The primary ETV group contained 129 patients; the secondary ETV group, 61 patients. Operative complications occurred in 11 patients (6%). A successful outcome was obtained in 139 patients (73%). ETV failure occurred in 51 patients, with a median time to failure of 2 months (range, 0-124 months). Although the majority (86%) of ETV failures occurred within 2 years postoperatively, failure was noted in 3 cases between 5 and 10 years after intervention, including in 1 patient at a 124-month follow-up. In multivariate analysis, only previous shunt was found to influence outcomes (P= 0.021), with shorter ETV survival noted in patients with a previous shunt. Age, indication, and ETV success did not influence outcome. ETV is a safe procedure with excellent rates of long-term efficacy; however, late failure can occur, and patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if symptoms recur. A previous shunt is associated with a higher ETV failure rate.

Outcomes of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an alternative to ventriculoperitoneal shunting for treatment of hydrocephalus. Studies have reported favorable outcomes for up to three-quarters of adult patients. We performed the first ETV outcomes study using an administrative claims database, examining current practice for adult patients in the United States. We interrogated the Truven Health MarketScan® database for Current Procedural Terminology codes corresponding to ETV and ventriculoperitoneal shunt from 2003- to 2011, including patients over 18years and data from initial and subsequent hospitalizations. ETV failure was defined as any subsequent ETV or shunt procedure. Five hundred twenty-five patients underwent ETV with 6months minimum follow-up. Mean age was 45.9years (range: 18–86years). Mean follow-up was 2.2years (SD: 1.6years, range: 0.5–8.4years). Etiology of hydrocephalus was 21.3% tumor, 9.0% congenital/aqueductal stenosis, 15.8% hemorrhage, and 53.9% others. ETV was successful in 74.7% of patients. Of 133 who failed, 25 had repeat ETV; 108 had shunt placement. Longer length of stay for index surgery was associated with higher risk of failure (hazard ratio (HR): 1.03, p<0.001), as was history of previous shunt (HR: 2.45, p<0.001). Among patients with repeat surgeries, median time to failure was 25days. This study represents a longitudinal analysis of nationwide ETV practice over 9years. Success rate in this large cohort is similar to that published by other single-center retrospective studies. Age and geographic variation may be associated with surgeon choice of ETV or shunt placement after failure of the initial ETV.

Tuber cinereum proximity to critical major arteries: a morphometric imaging analysis relevant to endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Arterial bleeding in the interpeduncular fossa is a dreaded complication of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). When the "safe zone" of the tuber cinereum (TC) is fenestrated, the basilar artery tip (BT) or its branches may be encountered below the third ventriclular floor. Major arterial injuries might be avoided by careful preoperative planning. We aimed to establish previously unavailable normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR angiographic (MRA) morphometry and configuration of the BT and posterior cerebral artery P1 segments relative to the TC. We analyzed images of 82 patients with non-dilated ventricles (mean Evans' index 0.26), and lying in a neutral head position (mean cervico-medullary angle 141°). We cross-referenced axial MRAs with sagittal MRIs to measure distances of BT and P1 segments from the TC, and to classify the location of the BT in the interpeduncular and suprasellar cisterns. We correlated the sagittal areas of these cisterns and patients' ages with the TC-to-artery distances using regression analysis. The BT, right P1 and left P1 segments were a mean 4.9 mm, 5.5 mm, and 5.7 mm respectively from the TC. Seventy-four percent of BTs were anterior to the mammillary bodies. These distances and locations did not correlate with age (mean 53 years) or size of basal cisterns. The normal BT and P1 segments are anatomically close to the TC and potentially at risk during ETV in adults of all ages. The new morphometric data presented, along with cross-referencing of preoperative multiplanar images, could help reduce vascular complications during ETV.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Hydrocephalus Due to Unruptured Pineal AVM: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are considered to be static congenital lesions; however, a subset may possess dynamic pathophysiological capabilities of growth, regression or other morphological changes with time. We report on an adult patient harboring a pineal AVM who presented with progressive symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus and was successfully treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). This 63-year-old man was incidentally diagnosed 8 years previously with an asymptomatic unruptured pineal AVM and followed conservatively until he developed a progressive impairment in consciousness with gait apraxia and incontinence over a period of 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed obstructive hydrocephalus due to nidal compression at the level of the aqueduct. Treatment by ETV resulted in resolution of neurological deficits and ventriculomegaly without evidence of complications at 18-months follow-up. Treatment by ETV in adults with obstructive hydrocephalus due to deep pineal AVMs is a reasonable option in selected cases. A discussion of the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic options for this rare entity is presented.

The distance between the posterior communicating arteries and their relation to the endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults: An anatomic study.

Background:The diencephalic leaf of the Liliequist's membrane is a continuous structure that should be perforated in the endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Its lateral borders are penetrated by the third cranial nerve and the posterior communicating arteries. The most important complication of endoscopic third ventriculostomy is the vascular injury, such as the posterior communicating artery. The purpose of this study is to measure the distance between posterior communicating arteries located below the third ventricle floor and anterior of the mammillary bodies.Methods:In this observational prospective study 20 fresh brains from cadavers were utilized to measure the distance between the posterior communicating arteries in April 2008 at the Death Check Unit of our Institution. A digital photograph of the posterior communicating arteries was taken and the distance between the arteries was measured. The measurement was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:In the descriptive analysis of the 20 specimens, the posterior communicating arteries distance was 9 to 18.9 mm, a mean of 12.5 mm, median of 12.2 mm, standard deviation of 2.3 mm.Conclusion:The detailed knowledge of vascular structures involved in the endoscopic third ventriculostomy as to the posterior communicating arteries distance provides a safe lateral vascular border when performing such procedure.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults: a technique for dealing with the neural (opaque) floor

An opaque (neural) floor of the third ventricle is considered an obstacle to safe penetration of the floor of the third ventricle in endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). The direct technique of endoscopic coring ("cookie cut") of the opaque (neural) floor of the third ventricle is described in 41 cases among a total of 101 consecutive adult ETVs. A 0° endoscope in a 4.6-mm irrigating sheath was used to press and core ("cookie cut") a section of the tuber cinereum, thereby exposing the underlying membranes and vasculature. Thereafter, the endoscopic apparatus was used to penetrate the membrane into the prepontine space. Among 101 consecutive ETVs performed in adults, there were 41 instances of an opaque floor in which the coring technique was used. The basilar artery (BA) complex was in the intended path of penetration in 13 cases. There were no perioperative deaths or vascular injuries. No cases were aborted because of the opaque floor or the configuration of the BA complex. The clinical success rate in the opaque floor group was 80% (33 of 41 patients). An opaque (neural) floor is frequently seen in adults during ETV. Removing the floor by the core ("cookie cut") method is a safe means of revealing the underlying BA complex and membranous structures prior to penetration into the prepontine cistern. On occasion, the BA complex may be in the path of penetration, and one can maneuver the endoscope to displace the vasculature to successfully accomplish the ETV.

Posterior cerebral artery P1 segment at the stoma during endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults

ObjectivesA serious catastrophic complication of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is basilar artery (BA) damage. Although the BA has been discussed as the cause of haemorrhage and even pseudoaneurysm, variations of...

Elastance correlates with outcome after endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adults with hydrocephalus caused by primary aqueductal stenosis.

To study prospectively the correlation between clinical outcome after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and resistance to the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid (R(out)) and elastance in adults with hydrocephalus caused by primary aqueductal stenosis (AS). R(out) and elastance were measured in the subarachnoid space and intraventricularly before ETV in 15 consecutive patients. Three months after the ETV, the clinical effect was evaluated by standardized indices, and R(out) and elastance were measured. If symptoms persisted and the ETV was patent, shunt surgery was offered. The effect of the shunt operation and R(out) were measured after 3 months. Four patients experienced excellent improvement, six improved slightly, and five had unchanged or deteriorated symptoms after ETV. R(out) before ETV did not correlate with outcome. R(out) decreased after ETV with correlation to the clinical effect; in the six patients who had shunt surgery, R(out) decreased further. High preoperative elastance correlated strongly with a good outcome and reduction of ventricle size. Elastance did not change after ETV. R(out) intraventricularly and in the subarachnoid space could not predict the outcome of the ETV, but the reduction in R(out) correlated positively with clinical improvement. Preoperative elastance correlated positively with clinical improvement, and elastance was unchanged after ETV. Clinical improvement correlated positively with reduction in ventricle size.

Elastance Correlates with Outcome after Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Adults with Hydrocephalus Caused by Primary Aqueductal Stenosis

Elastance Correlates with Outcome after Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Adults with Hydrocephalus Caused by Primary Aqueductal Stenosis