Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

Abstract

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is a neurodegenerative disease which affects the elderly, with a significant prevalence in the general population (0,2% - 5,9%), thus a common pathology encountered by neurologists and neurosurgeons, alike. Although the widespread availability of modern imaging techniques has facilitated the diagnosis of this disorder, the clinical manifestations can often be misleading. Also, an overlap with other degenerative or psychiatric diseases can make the differential diagnosis even more challenging. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures are the first line of treatment for INPH. Nowadays, there are several shunting options available, including: ventriculoperitoneal (the most commonly used), ventriculoatrial, ventriculopleural, ventriculosternal, lumboperitoneal, endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Choosing a procedure tailored to the individual patient is essential for therapeutic success. Although they are generally straightforward surgical interventions, they associate a high rate of failure, regardless of procedure used, which emphasizes the need for regular clinical and imagistic follow-up. Thus, INPH remains a disease where there is significant room for improvement, both in diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• idiopathic normal pressure
• hydrocephalus
• CSF shunting