Communicating hydrocephalus and papilloedema associated with intraspinal tumours: report of four cases and review of the mechanisms

Acta Neurol Belg. 2006 Mar;106(1):31-6.

Abstract

Communicating hydrocephalus and/or papilloedema associated with intraspinal tumours is rare. Four such patients are presented in this article. In addition to previous theories put forward to explain this condition, we would like to propose alteration of craniospinal compliance distribution as a possible underlying mechanism. Consequently, we suggest not performing shunt placement immediately if the intraspinal tumour can be removed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • Astrocytoma / secondary
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure / physiology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Child
  • Epidural Space / pathology
  • Epidural Space / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Glioma / complications
  • Glioma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology*
  • Hydrocephalus / physiopathology
  • Intracranial Hypertension / etiology*
  • Intracranial Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Lateral Ventricles / pathology
  • Lateral Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Meningioma / complications
  • Meningioma / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Papilledema / etiology*
  • Papilledema / physiopathology
  • Spinal Canal / pathology
  • Spinal Canal / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / complications*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / physiopathology