Delayed transient obstructive hydrocephalus after cerebral aneurysm rupture: A case report

RATIONALE: Obstructive hydrocephalus (OH) frequently occurs in patients with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (CA), and it may lead to severe neurological deficits, including life-threatening brain herniation. OH generally occurs in the early stage of CA rupture, rather than in the late stage, and rarely resolves without therapy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 64-year-old woman with a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm was treated with coil embolization. Nineteen days after her CA rupture, because of the delayed transient OH, she experienced a dramatic cycle in consciousness over 9 hours: wakefulness–drowsiness–coma–drowsiness–wakefulness. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with delayed transient obstructive hydrocephalus, which is a very rare condition. INTERVENTIONS: Mannitol was administered to reduce intracranial pressure. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged from the hospital 30 days after admission, with a final GCS score of 15 and without weaknesses. At follow-up 2 months after discharge, brain CT revealed non-recurrence of hydrocephalus. LESSONS: A blood clot of any size in the ventricle is likely to lead to obstructive hydrocephalus. Prolonged bed rest for IVH patients may help to reduce the incidence of delayed OH.