Introduction: Neurocysticercosis is an endemic disease in Latin America, especially in Guatemala, most of these patients present hydrocephalus and are primarily treated with shunts and have an increased risk of proximal obstruction with the cysts. An endoscopic approach in these patients could avoid in some cases de placements of shunts, and all the comorbidties it represents.
Methods: Five patients with diagnosis of intraventricular cysticercosis (ELISA) and hydrocephalus observed in MRI were approached with a rigid endoscope (0°) Cysts were found were extracted. Cysts and CSF simple were sent for analysis. Copious irrigation was perform with normal saline and an external drainage was left for 48 hours.
Results: In 3 of the 5 patients cysts were found in the frontal horns, third ventricule and prepontine cistern. In all five patients ependymitis and arachnoiditis were common findings. In the 2 patients were cysts couldnot be identified, ependymitis was severe and third ventriculostomy was not performed, and required ventricle-peritoneal shunt after 48 hours of the endoscopic approach.There were not complications related to the procedure.
Conclusions: Endoscope is a useful tool for patients with intraventricular cysticercosis and hydrocephalus, in some cases as shown in this series shunts can be avoided. Patients with severe ependymitis will need a shunt placement. There were no complications related to the procedure in this report compared with shunts as describe in literature. It is needed a more large series of cases before final recommendations for the treatment of intraventriicular cysticercosis.
Patient Care: In some patients the endoscopic approach as the first line of treatment could avoid the placement of shunts.
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1) Describe the importance of endoscopic approach for intraventricular cysticercosis, 2)Identify the patients that after a endoscopic approach will need a shunt placement.