Spontaneous Third Ventriculostomy in Cases of Aqueductal Stenosis: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous third ventriculostomy (STV) is a rare occurrence in cases of obstructive hydrocephalus where the walls of the third ventricle rupture, communicating the ventricular system, and the subarachnoid space leading to arrest of active hydrocephalus. We aim to review our series of STVs while reviewing previous reports. METHODS: A retrospective review of cases undergoing cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) from 2015 to 2022 of any age with imaging evidence of arrested obstructive hydrocephalus was performed. Patients in which aqueductal stenosis was radiologically evident and the presence of third ventriculostomy through which cerebrospinal fluid flow was detectable were included. Patients who previously underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy were excluded. Data on patient demographics, presentation, and imaging details of STV and aqueductal stenosis were collected. We searched the PubMed database using the following keyword combination: ((("spontaneous ventriculostomy") OR ("spontaneous third ventriculostomy")) OR ("spontaneous ventriculocisternostomy")) including English reports of STV published between 2010 and 2022. RESULTS: Fourteen cases were included (7 adults, 7 pediatrics), all with history of hydrocephalus. STV occurred in the floor of the third ventricle in 57.1% of the cases, at the lamina terminalis in 35.7%, and at both sites in 1 case. Eleven publications reporting 38 cases of STV were identified from 2009 to date. Minimum follow-up period was 10 months and maximum follow-up is 77 months. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of chronic obstructive hydrocephalus, neurosurgeons should be minded with the possibility of the presence of an STV on cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging leading to arrested hydrocephalus. The delayed flow at the aqueduct of Sylvius might not be the only determinant of the necessity of cerebrospinal fluid diversion and the presence of an STV should be factored into the neurosurgeon's decision considering the patient's clinical picture.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult congenital heart disease: a case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used as rescue intervention for cardiac and/or respiratory failure. High-risk adult patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) may require pre- and post-operative ECMO support. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective data collection within a five-year time period from 2011 to 2016, at a single-centre study at a tertiary university hospital and regional unit for ACHD. Patients with ACHD in cardiogenic shock or failure to be separated from cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) were included. INTERVENTION: Venoarterial (VA) ECMO. RESULTS: Three patients had Ebstein anomaly and one patient had a double-outlet right ventricle transposition type and severe atrioventricular valve insufficiency. Three male patients and one female patient were aged ranging from 19 to 52 years. All received VA ECMO, two each with central or peripheral cannulation. The mean duration of ECMO support was 7 days (range, 3-13 days) and bleeding complications were the main complications observed, with a range of 12 to 104 blood products used. One patient required renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury and also had leg ischaemia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two of four patients (50%) were successfully weaned off ECMO and survived to hospital discharge in this high-risk group of patients in severe heart failure. The patients are currently at 3 and 4 years follow-up, with improved mobility and exercise tolerance compared with pre-operatively. CONCLUSION: ECMO is a promising temporary rescue intervention for patients with ACHD and cardiogenic shock. The extracorporeal cardiac support is a useful bridge to recovery.