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  • Title: The constant flow ventricular infusion test: a simple and useful study in the diagnosis of third ventriculostomy failure.
    Author: Aquilina K, Pople IK, Sacree J, Carter MR, Edwards RJ.
    Journal: J Neurosurg; 2012 Feb; 116(2):445-52. PubMed ID: 22098198.
    Abstract:
    OBJECT: The evaluation of third ventriculostomy function in hydrocephalic patients is challenging. The utility of the constant flow infusion test in predicting response to shunt insertion in normal-pressure hydrocephalus, as well as in identifying shunt malfunction, has been previously demonstrated. The object of this study was to evaluate its usefulness in determining whether a revision CSF diversion procedure was indicated in patients presenting with recurring symptoms and persisting ventriculomegaly after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective study of all patients who, after undergoing ETV at their institution, presented postoperatively with recurring symptoms and persisting ventriculomegaly. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (mean age 40.7 years, including 11 patients younger than 18 years) underwent 56 constant flow ventricular infusion tests (VITs) at a mean of 24.7 months post-ETV. Thirty-three patients with resistance to CSF outflow (R(out)) less than 13 mm Hg/ml/min underwent follow-up (median 17 months) and experienced resolution of symptoms. In 10 episodes R(out) was greater than 13 mm Hg/ml/min; the patients in these cases underwent revisional CSF diversion. Two patients demonstrated high and frequent B (slow) waves despite a low R(out); these patients also underwent successful revisions. Patients who improved after surgery had increased B wave activity in the plateau phase of the VIT (p = 0.01). Thirty-four patients underwent MR imaging at the same time; 4 had high R(out) despite evidence of flow across the stoma. These 4 patients underwent surgery and experienced resolution of symptoms. Of 9 patients without flow, R(out) was less than 13 mm Hg/ml/min in 4; these patients were successfully treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: The VIT is a useful and safe adjunct to clinical and MR imaging evaluation when ETV failure is suspected.
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