Adult idiopathic communicating hydrocephalus with and without shunting

Abstract

The outcome in 37 adult patients with idiopathic communicating hydrocephalus treated by ventriculoatrial shunting is presented. Only 33%/0 showed definite improvement, and no diagnostic procedures accurately predicted the outcome of surgery. These were compared with a ''control'' groupof 12 patients who were not shunted; 50% of these were stable for up to 36 months. These findings, and the high frequency of serious complications (35%), suggest caution in recommending a shunt procedure.