Bilateral occlusion of the foramina of Monro after endoscopic third ventriculostomy for aqueductal stenosis--a case report.

CASE REPORT: Bilateral occlusion of the foramina of Monro is an extremely rare clinical condition. We present the case of a 10-year-old girl who complained of frequent headaches.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging showed triventricular hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis, so endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed successfully. The headaches subsequently disappeared, but the patient presented with exacerbation of headaches 32 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral hydrocephalus of the lateral ventricles, implying bilateral occlusion of the foramina of Monro. We again performed endoscopic surgery, confirming bilateral occlusion of the foramina of Monro.

RESULTS

The foramina of Monro were apparently obstructed by normal ependyma, and no tumor masses or other structures were detected around the foramina, so we diagnosed the occlusion of the foramina as secondary after endoscopic third ventriculostomy. We fenestrated the septum pellucidum using a monopolar micro endoscopic electrode, and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed for the management of hydrocephalus. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the headaches were completely resolved.