2016 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 50-52
Background: Subdural hygroma can be treated by subdural drainage. However, if it is associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is effective. Herewith we report the case of an elderly patient with traumatic subdural hygroma which improved after a VP shunt, and review the relevant previously published literature.
Case presentation: An 85-year-old woman with bilateral acute and chronic subdural hematoma was referred to our hospital. After burr hole irrigation of the right subdural hematoma, the subdural hygroma and ventriculomegaly worsened. We performed VP shunting via the left anterior horn and both findings resolved dramatically. The patient was discharged with moderate disability.
Discussion: Subdural hygroma associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage is usually caused by the laceration of the arachnoid membrane and disturbed absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. A VP shunt was effective in this traumatic case on the similar mechanism. Prior to surgery, it is important to differentiate the phenomenon from brain atrophy following diffuse axonal injury.
Conclusion: We encountered a case of subdural hygroma treated by a VP shunt. A VP shunt can be effectively used instead of subdural drainage for selective cases.
