Persistence of communicating hydrocephalus post choroid plexus tumor resection: Case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus is the most common presentation of choroid plexus tumors; it is thought to be caused either by mass effect obstructing the cerebrospinal fluid pathways or secretory properties of the tumor. In these case reports, we present two cases of choroid plexus tumors with persistence of communicating hydrocephalus postoperatively and review similar reports in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: Case 1: a 2-month-old baby girl presented with bulging fontanelle, sunsetting eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed large third ventricle mass with communicating hydrocephalus. She underwent complete excision of tumor through transcortical approach with perioperative intraventricular hemorrhage. Hydrocephalus persisted postoperatively and the patient required permanent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Case 2: a 16-year-old boy presented decreased visual acuity, papilledema, and morning headaches. MRI showed a tumor in the right ventricle and communicating hydrocephalus. He underwent transparietal resection of the tumor. In both cases, hydrocephalus persisted postoperatively and patients required permanent VP shunt. Review of similar cases showed the majority of cases required permanent shunting. CONCLUSION: Choroid plexus tumor patients can present with communicating hydrocephalus that may persist post tumor resection for different etiologies. Careful follow-up to determine the need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion through a permanent VP shunt is important.