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Purpose Age and etiology play a crucial role in success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) as a treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. Outcome is worse in infants, and controversies still exist whether ETV is superior to shunt placement. We retrospectively analyzed 70 patients below 2 years from 4 different centers treated with ETV and assessed success. Methods Children Results We collected 70 patients. ETV success rate was 41.4%. The highest rate was in tumor-related hydrocephalus and fourth ventricle outlet obstruction (62.5%, 60%) and the lowest rate was in Chiari-type II and following infection (16.7%, 0%). The below 3 months age group showed relatively lower success rate (33.3%) in comparison to older groups which showed similar results (46.4%, 46.6%). Statistically, a previous VP shunt was a predictor for failure (p value Conclusion Factors suggesting a high possibility of failure were age

Tumours of the pineal region are uncommon. We report on a 62-year-old male presenting with Parinaud's syndrome and aqueduct stenosis caused by a cystic tumour in the pineal region. During surgery, adjacent to the cystic tumour, a second smaller tumour was identified, which was clearly separate from the first tumour and from the pineal gland. Histological examination disclosed the cystic tumour as an epidermoid cyst, whereas the second tumour demonstrated histological and immunohistochemical features of a pineocytoma. The unique finding of two different types of tumours in the pineal region is evaluated with regard to the histogenesis of epidermoid cysts and pineocytomas.

Objects: The most important function of the programmable valve (PV) is to limit the shunt-dependent flow of the cerebrospinal fluid by upgrading valve pressure. This activates the regular circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which may make successful removal of the shunt possible once sufficient cerebral development has been achieved. The purpose of this paper is to indicate the possibility of shunt removal using the programmable Medos and Sophy valves (one programmable Sophy valve was specially designed for this situation). Methods: Prior to regular use of the PV, removal of existing shunt systems was attempted in 57 children, since some systems malfunctioned and others had abdominal tubes that were meanwhile too short as the children had grown as they became older. Shunt removal was successfully achieved in only 18 patients (32%). However, in patients in whom PV valves were used, shunt removal was successful in 68 out of 114 patients (57%). This shows that the success rate of shunt removal becomes significantly higher when PV valves are used. The 68 cases in which PV valves were used and shunt removal was successful were divided into three groups: A, B, and C. In group A (36 cases, 53%), the Medos valve was used for the initial PV shunt implantation and the pressure was gradually increased up to 200 mmH2O. The shunt systems were then withdrawn. Group B (29 cases, 43%) includes patients who experienced both the minor symptoms and ventricular enlargement attributable to increased valve pressure. The pressure was gradually upgraded by pumping several times and was maintained at close to 200 mmH2O. After 6–24 months' observation shunt removal was performed, and in 21 out of 29 cases the outcome was good. However, the remaining 8 patients (12%) still had symptoms and required shunt reinsertion. The specially designed Sophy valves were then used, which allowed the pressure to be set at above 200 mmH2O. The pressure was increased by degrees up to 400 mmH2O and kept at the same level for 6–24 months. The shunt systems were then removed successfully. Although a high pressure setting was required over a sustained period, a total of 29 patients (43%) were able to have their shunts removed. In group C (3 cases, 4%), which included patients with aqueduct stenosis, the pressure was raised and thus allowed ventricle enlargement. Third ventriculostomy was performed under neuroendoscopy with the shunt pressure maintained at a high level. Shunt systems were removed successfully. Conclusions: This study showed that it is possible to remove the shunt systems in 50% or more of pediatric hydrocephalus cases in which PV valves are used. This is achieved through careful control of the valve pressure. Close observation is essential during the period when the PV pressure is maintained at a high level, as well as 6–12 months after shunt removal.

Chronic hydrocephalus, most commonly the result of aqueduct stenosis, is associated with both primary and secondary amenorrhea. Only six cases of secondary amenorrhea have been reported to date. We describe a women with cystic fibrosis who presented with secondary amenorrhea as a consequence of Chiari-I malformation and resultant hydrocephalus. The biochemical picture was characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Resolution of the amenorrhea was observed to occur following 3rd ventriculostomy.

A 35-day-old hydrocephalic infant was found by autopsy to have a small nodular mass protruding into the aqueductal channel. The mass, approximately 2.5 mm in size along the neuroaxis and 1.9 mm in transverse plane, subependymally occupied the roof of the aqueduct. This was thought to be the cause of hydrocephalus in this infant. A review of literature on the subject has not shown any other comparable case.

On rapporte un cas d'atrophie optique secondaire a une stenose de l'aqueduc. L'atrophie optique a ete rapportee a l'augmentation chronique de la pression intracrânienne. Une dermatose ventriculo-peritoneale a decomprime efficacement l'hydrocephalie mais l'acuite visuelle gauche ne s'est pas amelioree