Neuropsychological Changes After Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Long-Standing Overt Ventriculomegaly in Adults

—Case Report—

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman presented with long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) manifesting as gradually worsening headache. Past history included treatment for myeloschisis at birth. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was 115 and preoperative psychological assessment using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) showed normal scores in all domains. However, scores for constructional ability were slightly low. Computed tomography revealed severe ventriculomegaly involving the lateral and third ventricles, and magnetic resonance imaging showed aqueductal stenosis. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed under a diagnosis of LOVA. Postoperatively, the headache resolved and the RBANS showed improvements in memory and constructional ability. Detailed evaluation of cognitive function provides a good indicator in the treatment of hydrocephalus with normal IQ.