Disseminated enterogenous cells at the cervicomedullary junction causing communicating hydrocephalus

J Neurosurg. 2010 Dec;113(6):1284-6. doi: 10.3171/2010.3.JNS09851. Epub 2010 Apr 30.

Abstract

The authors present a unique case of a patient with communicating hydrocephalus and repeated ventriculoperitoneal shunt obstructions resulting from mucin-secreting enterogenous cell deposits at the cervicomedullary junction. Pathological examinations revealed that these cellular deposits lacked characteristic cystic architecture and the patient had no history of previous cyst with dissemination. Because of the repeated shunt obstructions and inability to surgically resect the lesion in its entirety, the authors elected radiation therapy to the cervicomedullary junction, encompassing the radiological abnormality. As of this writing, the patient has remained at neurological baseline and has not required further shunt revisions for obstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology*
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery
  • Neural Tube Defects / complications*
  • Neural Tube Defects / pathology
  • Treatment Failure
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult