Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction as Signal of Late Failure of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Child with Spina Bifida.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an option for hydrocephalus treatment in patients with myelomeningocele, mostly after a previous shunt dysfunction. Late failure of ETV is a rare event, traditionally associated with dramatic symptoms of intracranial hypertension. In patients with myelodysplasia and neurogenic bladder dysfunction, urodynamic deterioration can be a signal of neurologic worsening as a consequence of tethered cord or shunt problems.

CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe here a rare case of a 12-year-old female patient with myelomeningocele and evidence of a failure 10 years after a previously successful ETV whose initial symptoms were worsening of urinary complaints. After 2 months, she was admitted to the emergency department with seizures and acute hydrocephalus and was shunted.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric neurosurgeons must follow myelomeningocele patients with successful ETV for a long time and take care of subtle alterations of organic functions that have a close relationship with central nervous system integrity. A multidisciplinary approach can facilitate this strategy and avoid a tragic outcome.