Intraspinal tumors accompanied by hydrocephalus: case report, systematic review, and discussion of treatment strategy.

INTRODUCTION

Intraspinal tumor accompanied by hydrocephalus is an unusual but well-documented condition. Although many authors have proposed a variety of possible causes, the etiology is still unknown. Meanwhile, little has been discussed about the treatment strategy.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of intraspinal neurinoma accompanied by hydrocephalus. The patient presented with numbness and weakness of the legs, incontinence, and headache. Computed tomography scan demonstrated hydrocephalus and obvious peri-ventricular edema. She was given ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunt, but the shunt system had to be removed due to a postoperative intracranial hematoma. To our surprise, the hydrocephalus resolved after the tumor resection. We reviewed the literature and discussed a reasonable treatment strategy for this condition.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients presenting with hydrocephalus of unclear etiology, attention should be paid to possible spine pathology. If an intraspinal neurinoma is found, a V-P shunt is usually not necessary. A V-P shunt is only indicated when hydrocephalus does not improve after tumor resection.