Journal List > J Korean Soc Spine Surg > v.25(2) > 1097576

Yi: Hydrocephalus as a Complication of Durotomy during Cervical Laminoplasty - A Case Report -

Abstract

Study Design

Case report.

Objectives

We report a case of hydrocephalus as a complication of durotomy during cervical laminoplasty.

Summary of Literature Review

Hydrocephalus is a very rare complication of cervical laminoplasty.

Materials and Methods

A 72-year-old man had an incidental durotomy during cervical laminoplasty. The dural leak was repaired by secondary surgery. However, the patient continued to complain of headaches and developed confusion and drowsiness. A computed tomographic scan of the brain showed hydrocephalus. After insertion of a lumbar drain, the patient experienced a temporary improvement in the neurologic symptoms. After 6 months, the neurologic symptoms recurred and a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed.

Results

After placement of the VP shunt, the neurologic symptoms improved significantly.

Conclusions

If a patient shows deterioration of neurologic symptoms after an incidental durotomy, surgeons should consider the possibility of hydrocephalus.

REFERENCES

1. Wada E, Yonenobu K. Treatment of cervical myelopathy: Laminoplasty. Benzel EC, editor. eds.The cervical spine 5ed. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;2012. 980-94.
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Fig. 1.
Preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scan of the cervical spine. (A) A sagittal CT scan shows segmental ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL, arrowheads) spanning from C4 to C5. (B) An axial CT scan at C4 shows encroachment of the spinal canal by the OPLL mass (arrow).
jkss-25-69f1.tif
Fig. 2.
Preoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the cervical spine. (A) A sagittal MRI scan shows increased cord signal intensity (arrow) at C4-C5. (B) An axial MRI scan shows central canal stenosis at C4-C5.
jkss-25-69f2.tif
Fig. 3.
T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging shows adequate decompression and subcutaneous fluid collection.
jkss-25-69f3.tif
Fig. 4.
Computed tomography shows lateral ventricular dilation.
jkss-25-69f4.tif
Fig. 5.
Computed tomography 30 days after ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement shows normal ventricular morphology.
jkss-25-69f5.tif
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