Transcranial ultrasonographic evaluation of effect of ventriculoperitoneal shunt on intracranial dynamics: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND

Transcranial sonographic (TCS) evaluation of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), third ventricular diameter (TVD) and mean flow velocities (Vm) and pulsatility index (PI) of middle cerebral artery (MCA) can provide important insights to the change in intracranial dynamics following ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt surgery. The primary objective of this study was to observe changes in ONSD values following VP shunt at 12 h, compared to pre-VP shunt values.

METHODS

After obtaining ethical approval, patients admitted with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus posted for a VP shunt surgery were prospectively enrolled. TCS evaluation was done before induction of anesthesia and 12-hour post-VP shunt surgery. We recorded the values of ONSD, TVD and Vm and PI MCA at both time points.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (19 male) were evaluated for ONSD and for the improvement of symptoms. Transtemporal window could not be obtained in six patients. At 12 h following VP shunt, bilateral median ONSD values reduced significantly from their pre-VP shunt values [right ONSD- 0.62 (0.59-0.64) to 0.53 (0.5-0.54) mm (p < 0.001); left ONSD- 0.62 (0.59-0.63) to 0.53 (0.5-0.54) mm (p < 0.001)]. Similarly, the median TVD at 12 h post-VP shunt reduced significantly from its pre-VP shunt measurements [0.97 (0.85-1.09) to 0.74 (0.7-0.84) cm]. PI MCA values reduced significantly, while Vm MCA values increased significantly from the pre-VP shunt values.

CONCLUSION

VP shunt reduced the ONSD, TVD, PI MCA and increased the Vm MCA after shunt surgery as early as 12hrs.