Predictors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a pilot study in a single Egyptian institute

Abstract Background Acute hydrocephalus can cause neurological deterioration after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Predicting which patient would require shunting is challenging. Methods This prospective study was conducted upon twenty patients who suffered acute hydrocephalus due to subarachnoid hemorrhage of ruptured aneurysms. Surgical or non-surgical management of hydrocephalus was conducted. Glasgow Coma scale (GCS) was assessed, and hydrocephalus was graded by bicaudate index. Fisher grade was determined from CT scan. Aneurysm site was determined by conventional or CT angiography. Either surgical clipping or endovascular coiling of aneurysms was performed. Results Initially, 3 (15%) patients had emergency CSF diversion on admission due to poor GCS on arrival. Initially, the remaining 17 patients were managed conservatively. Five patients did not require any intervention. Twelve patients had external ventricular drainage placement, 4 were weaned, and 8 failed weaning. High bicaudate index (> 0.2) correlated with shunting. Aneurysm site correlated well with shunting (ACoA or PCoA). Conclusions Patients with fair GCS can be managed conservatively. Any deterioration warrants shifting to CSF diversion. Higher bicaudate index will usually need CSF diversion. The value of Fisher carries no significant value. Aneurysm location (ACoA or PCoA) correlates with an increased incidence of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement

Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of the Gasserian Ganglion: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that accounts for 4% of newly diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Most primary lymphomas of the central nervous system are of the subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, which have highly aggressive behavior and may involve the brain, leptomeninges, eyes or spinal cord without evidence of systemic disease. Primary CNS lymphomas are very rare in immunocompetent patients, but their rates are increasing. So far, only 11 primary Gasser ganglion lymphomas have been reported, with an incidence of 2.5 cases per 30,000,000 inhabitants. However, B cell lymphomas of the marginal zone of the Gasserian ganglion have been very rarely reported. We report here a clinical presentation characteristic of B cell lymphoma of the marginal zone of the Gasser ganglion in an immunocompetent patient who was treated with surgery and radiotherapy, evolving with improvement of symptoms and without recurrence in 3 months of follow-up