Cerebrospinal Fluid Parameters Predicting Contralateral Isolated Lateral Ventricle in Adult Tuberculous Meningitis with Hydrocephalus Post-Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt.

OBJECTIVE

Hydrocephalus, a major complication in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) patients, often necessitates treatment via ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). However, post-VPS, some patients develop a complication called contralateral isolated lateral ventricle (CILV), leading to persistent hydrocephalus symptoms. This study aims to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in predicting CILV occurrence post-VPS in adult TBM patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted, focusing on the relationship between preoperative CSF parameters and the development of CILV in 40 adult TBM patients who underwent VPS. The study compared CSF parameters from lumbar puncture after admission with those from ventricular CSF post-external ventricular drainage tube insertion.

RESULTS

CILV was observed in 6 of the 40 patients following VPS. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the CSF parameters obtained via lumbar and ventricular punctures. Notably, the mean CSF glucose level in patients with CILV was significantly lower (1.92 mmol/L) compared to the non-CILV group (3.03 mmol/L). Conversely, the median adenosine deaminase (ADA) level in the CILV group was higher (5.69 U/L) compared to the non-CILV group (3.18 U/L). The optimal cutoff values for CSF glucose and ADA levels were 1.90 mmol/L and 4.80 U/L, respectively, with a sensitivity of 66.67% and 83.33% and a specificity of 88.24% and 79.41%.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identified elevated ADA levels and decreased glucose levels in CSF as potential risk factors for CILV development in adult TBM patients post-VPS. These findings suggest the necessity for more tailored surgical approaches, in patients with altered CSF parameters to mitigate the risk of CILV.