Obstructive Hydrocephalus Secondary to Enlarged Virchow-Robin Spaces: A Rare Cause of Pulsatile Tinnitus

World Neurosurg. 2017 May:101:815.e1-815.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.02.119. Epub 2017 Mar 6.

Abstract

Background: Obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to enlarged Virchow-Robin Spaces (VRS) is a rare entity, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Presenting symptoms vary widely from headaches to dizziness.

Case description: We report a case of a 31-year-old man who presented with pulsatile tinnitus and magnetic resonance imaging showing obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to tumefactive VRS. After a cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure in the form of an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, he had almost complete resolution of his symptoms.

Conclusions: This is the first case of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to enlarged VRS, presenting with pulsatile tinnitus.

Keywords: Obstructive hydrocephalus; Pulsatile tinnitus; Virchow-Robin space.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dilatation, Pathologic
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Male
  • Third Ventricle / diagnostic imaging*
  • Third Ventricle / surgery*
  • Tinnitus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tinnitus / etiology
  • Tinnitus / surgery*
  • Ventriculostomy / methods