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DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786822
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for the Management of Obstructive Hydrocephalus in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Abstract
Introduction Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricular system. It can stem from obstructive and nonobstructive causes. Pregnancy introduces physiopathological changes that may heighten the risk of developing or worsening symptomatic hydrocephalus. Nevertheless, comprehensive reports on this aspect, especially regarding surgical interventions, remain scarce.
Case Report A young woman with a history of recurrent headaches experienced a worsening of her symptoms at the onset of her pregnancy. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the first trimester revealed increased ventricular dilation, indicating an obstructive cause due to aqueduct stenosis. During a neurosurgical board meeting, treatment options were discussed, considering the identifiable obstruction, the heightened intra-abdominal pressure associated with pregnancy, and the risk of ventricular shunt dysfunction. The patient underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) without complications, leading to both symptom relief and a successful conclusion to the pregnancy.
Discussion Neurosurgical procedures in pregnant women are uncommon due to the increased risks to both the mother and the fetus. However, when performed by a qualified multidisciplinary team, they can lead to positive outcomes. In cases of hydrocephalus during pregnancy, ETV appears to be a viable alternative for surgical intervention, particularly when hydrocephalus becomes symptomatic and an obstructive cause is identified, whether in patients with existing shunts or those with newly developed hydrocephalus.
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Keywords
obstructive hydrocephalus - pregnancy - endoscopic third ventriculostomy - ventriculoperitoneal shunt - case reportIntroduction
Hydrocephalus is defined as an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles. It results from either subnormal CSF reabsorption or, less frequently, CSF overproduction,[1] typically resulting in elevated intracranial pressure, which generates symptoms such as cephalea, emesis, and papilledema. Hydrocephalus can be classified according to its etiology or according to its functionality. The two main functional subdivisions of subnormal CSF dynamics are attributed to obstructive (noncommunicating) and nonobstructive (communicating) hydrocephalus.[1] [2] Stenosis of the sylvian aqueduct is the most common cause of intraventricular blockage of the CSF, accounting for 5% to 49% of cases of obstructive hydrocephalus.[3]
During pregnancy, various physiological changes occur, such as increased intracranial pressure due to heightened blood flow and fluid retention, which can elevate the risk of symptomatic hydrocephalus.[4] These alterations may exacerbate common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, potentially leading to headaches caused by elevated intracranial pressures. Additionally, pregnancy induces significant physiological adaptations, including ventricular enlargement and altered cardiovascular parameters, such as elevated heart rate and reduced blood pressure.[4] Neurologically, resistance to vasoconstrictor metabolites increases, resulting in a notable rise of approximately 20% in cerebral blood flow. Radiological changes, such as reduced brain volume (4.1–6.6%) and enlarged ventricular size (17.3–29.5%), further characterize the impact of pregnancy on the central nervous system. These alterations typically normalize postpartum.[3] [5]
Typically, the management of hydrocephalus involves two primary options: shunts (such as ventriculoperitoneal, ventriculoatrial, ventriculopleural, or a lateral ventricle-cisterna magna shunt), and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS), considered the conventional treatment, entails inserting a catheter connected to a valve that can either be programmable or allow free drainage, directing CSF into the peritoneum. ETV offers an alternative CSF flow pathway, establishing communication between the third ventricle and adjacent compartments near the brainstem.[6] [7] [8] This procedure demands precision in identifying anatomical landmarks such as the foramen of Monro and the basilar artery to prevent complications such as hemorrhage and neurological injury. Moreover, factors such as ventricular thickening or scarring may impede stoma creation and diminish ETV success rates.[9]
Currently, there are no studies exclusively assessing the benefits and complications of each intervention in a pregnant population. Nonetheless, it is generally recognized that the physiological changes during pregnancy pose challenges for shunt placement and function. Recent comparisons between these interventions in adult and pediatric populations have shown that ETV has lower complication rates, particularly in postoperative infections and hematomas, although no differences were noted in mortality or postoperative success rates.[7] [8]
In pregnant patients, ETV appears to offer several advantages over shunt placement. First, it eliminates the need for foreign body implantation, reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, ETV does not involve manipulation, thus lessening the risk of intra-abdominal complications.
We present a case report of a woman who required surgical management for obstructive hydrocephalus during her first trimester of pregnancy, aiming to explore management options in this specific scenario.
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Case Report
Initial Assessment
A 30-year-old woman presented to our outpatient clinic with a long-standing history of recurrent migraines. She complained of a severe right-sided hemicranial headache associated with intense retro-ocular pain, photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea. An initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported a moderate enlargement of the ventricular system without evidence of transependymal migration. Hydrocephalus was suspected; however, she did not return for further follow-up. Five years later, at 35 years of age, she presented to the emergency room during the 15th week of her pregnancy with worsening migraines that had been exacerbated since the beginning of her pregnancy. Hydrocephalus had not been further evaluated since her initial outpatient consultation. Her medical history also included pregestational hypothyroidism. Due to her comorbidities and age, she was under the care of a high-risk pregnancy specialist.
Upon initial examination, the patient presented no focal deficits except for mild proptosis of the left eye. Motor strength and sensory examination were normal. Given the patient's prior medical history and severe headache, a consultation with a neurologist was requested. Initial pain management was attempted with acetaminophen and tramadol, and the patient was advised to undergo a repeat neuroimaging study.
Due to the progression of the patient's condition and her pregnancy status, a consultation with a neurosurgeon was sought. Subsequent MRI ([Fig. 1]) revealed an increase in the dilation of the ventricular system along with associated transependymal migration (periventricular edema), indicative of obstructive hydrocephalus and stenosis of the sylvian aqueduct.
Based on these imaging findings and the patient's condition, a neurosurgical board meeting was held to deliberate on the appropriate course of action. Notably, considering the risk of elevated intra-abdominal pressure associated with the patient's increase in uterine size in the next semesters, there was a heightened probability of valvular or VPS dysfunction. However, an alternative approach involving ETV was also considered, primarily due to favorable anatomical conditions and the obstructive cause. The gynecologist, recognizing the high-risk nature of the patient's pregnancy, conducted a comprehensive evaluation and, following a careful assessment of the benefits and risks, approved the neurosurgical intervention.
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Surgery and Perioperative Process
The patient was positioned supine under general anesthesia. Trichotomy was performed, followed by an arc-shaped incision on the right side at the Kocher point.[10] A 5-cm neuroendoscopy sleeve was introduced to visualize the ventricular structures. The lateral ventricles were markedly dilated. The neuroendoscope was introduced through the foramen of Monro into the third ventricle, revealing a thinned tuber cinereum with a narrow prepontine space and a central basilar artery. Fenestration of the tuber cinereum was performed using cup forceps. The Liliequist membrane was fenestrated and dilated using a 4-French Fogarty catheter until adequate flow between the ventricular system and the prepontine cistern was established.
ETV was successfully achieved, establishing communication between the third ventricle, prepontine cistern, and cervical subarachnoid space to ensure optimal CSF flow. The surgical site was then closed in layers. [Fig. 2] shows intraoperative photographs illustrating the ETV technique employed by our surgical team.
The immediate postoperative course was uneventful. The patient reported near-immediate resolution of the headache, and left eye proptosis promptly resolved. She underwent strict observation for the following 48 hours with regular evaluation by the OB-GYN and Neurosurgery teams. An ultrasound was performed confirming a 16-week pregnancy with no fetal distress. The patient was deemed fit for discharge, having verified fetal and maternal well-being. Follow-up appointments were scheduled with OB-GYN, Neurosurgery, and Endocrinology.
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Follow-up
The patient returned for a follow-up appointment 10 days postoperation. Her headache had resolved and no neurological deficits were documented. A postoperative MRI revealed expected changes ([Fig. 3]), such as hypophyseal hyperplasia, which was considered acceptable given the patient's pregnancy. Importantly, there was a significant reduction in hydrocephalus following ETV, with no evidence of transependymal migration in any of the imaging sequences.
The patient was scheduled for monthly follow-up appointments to monitor her progress. With the satisfactory resolution of her symptoms, further neuroimaging studies were deemed unnecessary. She resumed her regular occupational activities and continued with routine check-ups under the care of a high-risk OB-GYN specialist, with no significant changes observed in her health status. The pregnancy progressed to term (38 weeks), resulting in a cesarean delivery due to a podalic version of the fetus. The baby was delivered successfully and was healthy. At 7 months postsurgery, the patient attended her last follow-up appointment, with no recurring symptoms. Regrettably, she did not return for further follow-up.
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Literature Review
In conjunction with the case report, a comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken to examine the management of hydrocephalus during pregnancy utilizing ETV. A search was conducted using the Embase search engine, employing keywords such as “third ventriculostomy,” “pregnancy,” and “hydrocephalus.” A total of 56 results were retrieved. These articles were then imported into the Rayyan AI database system, where title, abstract, and full text were carefully screened. Articles deemed irrelevant to our review were excluded, resulting in a final selection of seven manuscripts, as summarized in [Table 1].
Abbreviations: ETV, endoscopic third ventriculostomy; EVD, external ventricular drainage; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; POP, pelvic organ prolapse; VPS, ventriculoperitoneal shunt; WHO, World Health Organization.
As previously mentioned, pregnancy could be an independent risk factor for VPS failure. In such cases, ETV could be a viable and safe alternative for managing resultant hydrocephalus, with no reported complications associated with the procedure during pregnancy, regardless of the trimester in which it was performed.[11] [12] [13] Additionally, ETV proves to be a reasonable option for cases of aqueductal stenosis secondary to tectal/mesencephalic tumoral pathology, enabling direct biopsy of the lesion and treatment of hydrocephalus, as documented by Ravindra et al and Riffaud et al.[12] [14] Furthermore, ETV has demonstrated efficacy in treating de novo obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to primary aqueductal stenosis.[15] [16] [17] Importantly, postoperative and pregnancy outcomes do not appear to differ significantly when compared with patients with a preexisting diagnosis of hydrocephalus. However, it is noteworthy that literature on this subject remains limited, and more structured studies are needed to provide definitive recommendations regarding ETV in pregnant patients.
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Discussion
During pregnancy, physiological changes such as increased intracranial pressure may elevate the risk of symptomatic hydrocephalus.[3] [5] This review highlights the potential implications of these changes and underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and appropriate management strategies in pregnant individuals presenting with hydrocephalus.
In this case report, it is noteworthy that hydrocephalus can manifest with symptoms during pregnancy due to systemic changes, particularly in early pregnancy.[12] Women with a history of surgical interventions before pregnancy may face an increased risk of VPS dysfunction, primarily attributable to heightened intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy.[11] [12]
The decision for this patient to undergo an ETV was influenced by several favorable factors, including aqueductal stenosis and the absence of a prior shunt placement. ETV emerges as a safe and effective alternative to VPS replacement during the late stages of pregnancy, also serving as a valuable option for addressing VPS malfunction.[11]
Pregnancies complicated by hydrocephalus raise discussions on the ideal delivery mode. Some advocate for vaginal delivery in cases without neurological complications,[18] while others favor cesarean delivery because of concerns about increased intracranial pressure during the second stage of labor.[14]
This case involves a pregnant patient with symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus resulting from aqueductal stenosis, a common issue in adults typically managed with VPS, or ETV as an alternative, in the general population.[19] It is widely recognized that prepregnancy VPS placement is a safer and more efficient strategy in women with the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. While ventriculoperitoneal shunting proves a highly effective strategy, increased intracranial pressure and increased intraperitoneal pressure during pregnancy can lead to catheter obstruction and subsequent neurologic symptoms.[13] This approach allows vaginal delivery in patients without neurological deficits.[11]
Although ETV presents a potential alternative for the management of hydrocephalus in pregnant patients, not all individuals may be suitable candidates for the procedure. Patient selection criteria must consider factors such as the etiology of hydrocephalus and anatomical feasibility—including ventricular height and infundibulochiasmatic angle[20]—as well as intrinsic risks associated with pregnancy.
The dilemma lies in deciding the appropriate management approach for women who develop hydrocephalus during pregnancy. Concerns about abdominal surgery, the effects of anesthesia on both the mother and fetus, and the potential risk of VPS dysfunction prompt consideration of ETV as an alternative treatment option for obstructive hydrocephalus in any trimester of pregnancy.[10] Early initiation of treatment during pregnancy, especially when hydrocephalus typically manifests symptoms, is ideal.[8] The article's novelty and significance primarily stem from the utilization of ETV during pregnancy to enhance hydrocephalus care in pregnant women.
However, it should be noted that we cannot advocate for the use of ETV as first-line management of hydrocephalus in pregnancy or draw large conclusions based on case reports. Further research, including prospective cohort studies, is needed to establish the safety, efficacy, and optimal patient selection criteria.
Finally, we want to highlight the successful multidisciplinary approach, which integrated expertise from neurosurgery and OB-GYN, who played a pivotal role in the effective management of both the neurological and obstetric aspects of the patient's care.
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Conclusion
This article delves into the nuanced management of hydrocephalus in pregnant patients, underscoring the role of ETV as an alternative to conventional shunting procedures. While ETV offers advantages such as reduced infection risk and avoidance of abdominal surgery, it is imperative to consider anatomical, pathological, and physiological factors before opting for surgical intervention. Individualized patient assessment, thorough surgical planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the safety, efficacy, and optimal patient selection criteria for ETV in pregnant patients with hydrocephalus. While ETV may offer promise in specific cases, particularly those with aqueductal stenosis, caution is advised against its indiscriminate use or definite conclusions based on limited evidence.
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Conflict of Interest
None declared.
Ethical Considerations
We addressed ethical considerations in the publication of this case report in adherence to the Declaration of Helsinki. Patient confidentiality is preserved, and the patient fully understands the nature, benefits, and risks of the research, as well as the academic interest in publishing her medical history. Any potentially identifying information has been omitted or altered. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.
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References
- 1 Greenberg MS. Greenberg's Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed.. Thieme; 2023
- 2 Huff T, Tadi P, Weisbrod LJ, Varacallo M. Neuroanatomy, Cerebrospinal Fluid. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2023. [cited 2023 November 5]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470578/
- 3 Ekşi MŞ, Öğrenci A, Batçık OE, Koban O. Management of obstructive hydrocephalus in pregnant patient. Asian J Neurosurg 2018; 13 (01) 123-127
- 4 Johnson AC, Cipolla MJ. The cerebral circulation during pregnancy: adapting to preserve normalcy. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 30 (02) 139-147
- 5 Oatridge A, Holdcroft A, Saeed N. et al. Change in brain size during and after pregnancy: study in healthy women and women with preeclampsia. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2002; 23 (01) 19-26
- 6 Aranha A, Choudhary A, Bhaskar S, Gupta LN. A randomized study comparing endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt in the management of hydrocephalus due to tuberculous meningitis. Asian J Neurosurg 2018; 13 (04) 1140-1147
- 7 Jesuyajolu DA, Zubair A, Nicholas AK. et al. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion for the management of pediatric hydrocephalus in African centers - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Neurol Int 2022; 13: 467
- 8 Lu L, Chen H, Weng S, Xu Y. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Neurosurg 2019; 129: 334-340
- 9 Oi S, Shimoda M, Shibata M. et al. Pathophysiology of long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults. J Neurosurg 2000; 92 (06) 933-940
- 10 Konovalov AN, Gadzhiagaev V, Veselkov AA, Okishev D, Eliava S. Analysis of a novel entry point for freehand ventriculostomy using computerized tomography scans. Cureus 2022; 14 (01) e21079
- 11 Alhaj AK, Al-Saadi T, Hébert-Blouin MN, Petrecca K, Dudley RWR. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for VP shunt malfunction during the third trimester of pregnancy: illustrative case. J Neurosurg Case Lessons 2021; 1 (02) CASE2054
- 12 Riffaud L, Ferre JC, Carsin-Nicol B, Morandi X. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2006; 108 (3 Pt 2): 801-804
- 13 Yoshida S, Minekawa R, Shimoya K, Maruno M. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy during pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2007; 99 (03) 249-250
- 14 Ravindra VM, Braca III JA, Jensen RL, Duckworth EAM. Management of intracranial pathology during pregnancy: Case example and review of management strategies. Surg Neurol Int 2015; 6 (01) 43
- 15 McKie L, Stone S, Walker S, Mathad N. Acute obstructive hydrocephalus in pregnancy. BJOG 2018; 57-86
- 16 Sahoo SK, Salunke P, Dhandapani S, Siroliya A, Jangra K. Feasibility of awake endoscopic third ventriculostomy in selected patients of obstructive hydrocephalus. Br J Neurosurg 2023; 37 (01) 97-99
- 17 Watanabe Y, Oki S, Sumida M, Isobe N, Kanou Y, Takeda M. A case of aqueductal stenosis with acute progressive hydrocephalus during pregnancy [in Japanese]. No Shinkei Geka 2005; 33 (01) 59-63
- 18 Brkic M, Dermit K, Galic T. et al. Managing pregnancy in women with ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a review of the literature. Biomed Surg. 2017; 1 (03) 141-143
- 19 Spennato P, Cinalli G, Cianciulli E, d'Armiento M. Aqueductal Stenosis and Hydrocephalus. In: Cinalli G, Ozek MM, Sainte-Rose C. eds. Pediatric Hydrocephalus [Internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2018. [cited 2023 November 5]:1–30. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31889-9_19-1
- 20 Gürbüz MS, Dağçınar A, Bayri Y, Şeker A, Güçlü H. Anterior third ventricular height and infundibulochiasmatic angle: two novel measurements to predict clinical success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the early postoperative period. J Neurosurg 2019; 132 (06) 1764-1772
Address for correspondence
Publication History
Received: 19 March 2024
Accepted: 06 April 2024
Article published online:
13 May 2024
© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
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References
- 1 Greenberg MS. Greenberg's Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed.. Thieme; 2023
- 2 Huff T, Tadi P, Weisbrod LJ, Varacallo M. Neuroanatomy, Cerebrospinal Fluid. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2023. [cited 2023 November 5]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470578/
- 3 Ekşi MŞ, Öğrenci A, Batçık OE, Koban O. Management of obstructive hydrocephalus in pregnant patient. Asian J Neurosurg 2018; 13 (01) 123-127
- 4 Johnson AC, Cipolla MJ. The cerebral circulation during pregnancy: adapting to preserve normalcy. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 30 (02) 139-147
- 5 Oatridge A, Holdcroft A, Saeed N. et al. Change in brain size during and after pregnancy: study in healthy women and women with preeclampsia. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2002; 23 (01) 19-26
- 6 Aranha A, Choudhary A, Bhaskar S, Gupta LN. A randomized study comparing endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt in the management of hydrocephalus due to tuberculous meningitis. Asian J Neurosurg 2018; 13 (04) 1140-1147
- 7 Jesuyajolu DA, Zubair A, Nicholas AK. et al. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion for the management of pediatric hydrocephalus in African centers - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Neurol Int 2022; 13: 467
- 8 Lu L, Chen H, Weng S, Xu Y. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Neurosurg 2019; 129: 334-340
- 9 Oi S, Shimoda M, Shibata M. et al. Pathophysiology of long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults. J Neurosurg 2000; 92 (06) 933-940
- 10 Konovalov AN, Gadzhiagaev V, Veselkov AA, Okishev D, Eliava S. Analysis of a novel entry point for freehand ventriculostomy using computerized tomography scans. Cureus 2022; 14 (01) e21079
- 11 Alhaj AK, Al-Saadi T, Hébert-Blouin MN, Petrecca K, Dudley RWR. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for VP shunt malfunction during the third trimester of pregnancy: illustrative case. J Neurosurg Case Lessons 2021; 1 (02) CASE2054
- 12 Riffaud L, Ferre JC, Carsin-Nicol B, Morandi X. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2006; 108 (3 Pt 2): 801-804
- 13 Yoshida S, Minekawa R, Shimoya K, Maruno M. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy during pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2007; 99 (03) 249-250
- 14 Ravindra VM, Braca III JA, Jensen RL, Duckworth EAM. Management of intracranial pathology during pregnancy: Case example and review of management strategies. Surg Neurol Int 2015; 6 (01) 43
- 15 McKie L, Stone S, Walker S, Mathad N. Acute obstructive hydrocephalus in pregnancy. BJOG 2018; 57-86
- 16 Sahoo SK, Salunke P, Dhandapani S, Siroliya A, Jangra K. Feasibility of awake endoscopic third ventriculostomy in selected patients of obstructive hydrocephalus. Br J Neurosurg 2023; 37 (01) 97-99
- 17 Watanabe Y, Oki S, Sumida M, Isobe N, Kanou Y, Takeda M. A case of aqueductal stenosis with acute progressive hydrocephalus during pregnancy [in Japanese]. No Shinkei Geka 2005; 33 (01) 59-63
- 18 Brkic M, Dermit K, Galic T. et al. Managing pregnancy in women with ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a review of the literature. Biomed Surg. 2017; 1 (03) 141-143
- 19 Spennato P, Cinalli G, Cianciulli E, d'Armiento M. Aqueductal Stenosis and Hydrocephalus. In: Cinalli G, Ozek MM, Sainte-Rose C. eds. Pediatric Hydrocephalus [Internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2018. [cited 2023 November 5]:1–30. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31889-9_19-1
- 20 Gürbüz MS, Dağçınar A, Bayri Y, Şeker A, Güçlü H. Anterior third ventricular height and infundibulochiasmatic angle: two novel measurements to predict clinical success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the early postoperative period. J Neurosurg 2019; 132 (06) 1764-1772