Dandy-Walker syndrome: posterior fossa craniectomy and cyst fenestration after several shunt revisions

Hydrocephalus in Dandy-Walker malformation

INTRODUCTION

Even if the first description of Dandy-Walker dates back 1887, difficulty in the establishment of correct diagnosis, especially concerning differential diagnosis with other types of posterior fossa CSF collection, still persists. Further confusion is added by the inclusion, in some classification, of different malformations with different prognosis and therapeutic strategy under the same label of "Dandy-Walker".

METHODS

An extensive literature review concerning embryologic, etiologic, pathogenetic, clinical and neuroradiological aspects has been performed. Therapeutic options, prognosis and intellectual outcome are also reviewed.

CONCLUSION

The correct interpretation of the modern neuroradiologic techniques, including CSF flow MR imaging, may help in identifying a "real" Dandy-Walker malformation. Among therapeutical strategies, single shunting (ventriculo-peritoneal or cyst-peritoneal shunts) appears effective in the control of both ventricle and cyst size. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy may be considered an acceptable alternative, especially in older children, with the aim to reduce the shunt-related problems. Prognosis and intellectual outcome mostly depend on the presence of associated malformations, the degree of vermian malformation and the adequate control of hydrocephalus.

Treatment options for Dandy-Walker malformation

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of various treatment options available for children with Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) and to evaluate the role of endoscopic procedures in the treatment of this disorder.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 72 children who underwent surgical treatment for DWM during a 16-year period. All patients underwent computed tomography scanning, and 26 underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The initial surgical treatment included ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement in 21 patients, cystoperitoneal (CP) shunt placement in 24, and combined VP and CP shunt insertion in three. Twenty-one patients underwent endoscopic procedures (endoscopic third ventriculostomy [ETV] alone in 16 patients, ETV with aqueductal stent placement in three, and ETV with fenestration of the occluding membrane in two). Three patients underwent membrane excision via a posterior fossa craniectomy. In the 26 patients who had undergone preoperative MR imaging, aqueductal patency was noted in 23 and aqueductal obstruction in three. These three patients underwent placement of a stent from the third ventricle to the posterior fossa cyst in addition to the ETV procedure. During the follow-up period, 12 patients with a CP shunt and four with a VP shunt experienced shunt malfunctions that required revision. Four patients with a CP shunt also required placement of a VP shunt. In addition, five of the 21 ETVs failed, requiring VP shunt insertion. A reduction in ventricle size noted on postoperative images occurred more frequently in patients with a VP shunt, whereas a reduction in cyst size was more appreciable in patients with a CP shunt. Successful ETV resulted in a slight decrease in ventricle size and varying degrees of reduction in cyst size.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic procedures may be considered an acceptable alternative in children with DWM. The authors propose a treatment protocol based on preoperative MR imaging findings of associated aqueductal stenosis.

Brainstem tethering in Dandy-Walker syndrome: a complication of cystoperitoneal shunting. Case report

Treatment of the Dandy-Walker syndrome has included placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt alone or in combination with a posterior fossa cystoperitoneal shunt. Complications in shunting are common and are usually related to malfunction or infection. The authors present a case in which the patient developed headaches and focal cranial nerve deficits following infection caused by a cystoperitoneal shunt. Magnetic resonance imaging showed tethering of the brainstem. A posterior fossa craniotomy with microsurgical untethering and cyst fenestration achieved two goals: improvement of the focal cranial nerve deficits and elimination of the cystoperitoneal shunt.