Pseudotumor Cerebri Support Group

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, in the absence of a tumor or other diseases affecting the brain or its lining. Diagnosis requires brain scans and lumbar puncture. Characteristic symptoms are headache, transient visual obscurations or transient visual loss in one or both eyes usually lasting...

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Enlarged ventricles with shunt

greenbayfan1
greenbayfan1
I recently had my VP shunt removed after having it for 4.5 yrs due to failure and replaced with an LP shunt in Feb 2014. I was doing really well until recently, when I started getting some of the same symptoms I had before my shunt failed (i.e., blurred vision, headache). I called my NS and he had me do a CT scan last week and yesterday, they called and told me that I had enlarged ventricles? Does anyone know what that means?? He is now sending me to get a shunt gram done next.

Thanks so much!
PressureCooker
PressureCooker
Enlarged ventricles can mean too much csf; i.e., your shunt isn't draining properly. Your shunt series will show any shunt failure, obstruction, etc.
loveyalots143
loveyalots143
I find it interesting that enlarged ventricles are a sign of a shunt failure. The last MRI I had showed smaller ventricles which the radiologist made the connection between ventricle size and IIH. I am continually amazed how little I actually understand about this :-(
PressureCooker
PressureCooker
Lovely: typically, IIHers do have small ventricles, which is why shunting can be such a variable treatment for the condition. I.e., in the absence of venous stenosis, causative apnea, etc., or great pressure reduction by diamox + other meds, ONSF for paps, shunting is often times viewed as "only" option by neuros to reduce pressure (Monroe Kelley principle). Problem is with IIHers & their small ventricles is that shunting can lead to over-draining and a slit-like ventricle syndrome.

But, if one has a shunt and the ventricles are enlarged, the 1st place neuro should look is shunt malfunction as likely the CSF is backing up into the ventricles (maybe shunt valve malfunction or the distal or proximal shunt catheter obstruction), thus giving them the "engorged" appearance. Could also be a form of hydrocephalus, but I don't think that there are hardly any IIHers who also have hydrocephalus (it's usually one or the other I assume).