A Male Patient with Hydrocephalus via Multimodality Diagnostic Approaches: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a kind of hydrocephalus that is easily to be misdiagnosed with brain atrophy due to the similarity of ventricular dilation and cognitive impairment. In this case, we present an old male patient who was diagnosed with iNPH by multimodality approaches. Outcomes: A 68-year-old male patient, with deteriorated gait, declined cognitive function for at least 3 years and urinary incontinence for 3 months. The doctors suspected him a patient with hydrocephalus or Alzheimer's disease based on his symptoms. We used multimodality diagnostic approaches including brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid tap test, continuous intracranial pressure monitoring, and infusion study to make the final diagnosis of iNPH. He underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery and was well recovered. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the efficacy of using multimodality approaches for iNPH diagnosis, which saves patient time and clinical cost, worthy of further promotion.