Evid Based Spine Care J 2014; 05(02): 136-138
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1387805
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Hydrocephalus Following Bilateral Dumbbell-Shaped C2 Spinal Neurofibromas Resection and Postoperative Cervical Pseudomeningocele in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report

Nicola Montemurro
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
,
Ardico Cocciaro
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
,
Antonio Meola
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
,
Ludovico Lutzemberger
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
,
Riccardo Vannozzi
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

23 February 2014

02 July 2014

Publication Date:
24 September 2014 (online)

Abstract

Study Design Case report.

Objective To present a rare case of hydrocephalus following bilateral dumbbell-shaped C2 spinal neurofibromas resection and postoperative cervical pseudomeningocele in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Methods The patient's clinical course is retrospectively reviewed. A 37-year-old man affected by NF1 referred to our department for progressive weakness of both lower extremities and gait disturbance. Radiological imaging showed bilateral dumbbell-shaped C2 spinal neurofibromas. After its resection, at the 1-month follow-up evaluation, the patient reported headache and nausea. A CT brain scan showed a postoperative cervical pseudomeningocele and an increase in the ventricular sizes, resulting in hydrocephalus.

Results A ventriculoperitoneal shunting was performed using a programmable valve opening pressure set to 120 mmH20. After surgery, the patient's neurological status markedly improved.

Conclusion Hydrocephalus must be considered a possible complication of cervical spine tumor resection.

 
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