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. 2019 Apr-Jun;14(2):487-490.
doi: 10.4103/ajns.AJNS_278_18.

Hydrocephalus after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Schwannoma

Yu Shimizu  1   2 , Tadao Miyamori  2 , Jun Yamano  2
Affiliations

Hydrocephalus after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Schwannoma

Yu Shimizu et al. Asian J Neurosurg. 2019 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Objective: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been established as an effective and safe treatment for intracranial Schwannoma. However, communicating hydrocephalus can occur after GKRS. The risk factors of this disorder are not yet fully understood. The objective of the study was to assess potential risk factors for hydrocephalus after GKRS.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical radiosurgical records of 92 patients who underwent GKRS to treat intracranial Schwannoma and developed communicating hydrocephalus. The following parameters were analyzed as potential risk factors for hydrocephalus after GKRS: age, sex, target volume, irradiation dose, prior tumor resection, treatment technique, tumor enhancement pattern, and protein level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after GKRS.

Results: Of the 92 patients, eight of them developed communicating hydrocephalus. Target volume and tumor enhancement pattern, and protein level of CSF ware associated with the development of hydrocephalus.

Conclusion: In particular, patients with intracranial Schwannomas with large tumor size, ring enhancement patterns, and high protein level of CSF should be carefully observed.

Keywords: Gamma knife radiosurgery; Schwannoma; hydrocephalus.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
T1-weighted contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance image taken at after gamma knife surgery. (a) Axial T1-weighted, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance image scan showing a homogeneously enhanced right vestibular Schwannoma. (b) Axial T1-weighted, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance image scan showing a ring enhanced vestibular Schwannoma
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) A computed tomography scan of the brain at the time of the Gamma Knife radiosurgery. (b) Computed tomography scan taken 3 months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery showing an enlarged ventricle
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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