Neurocysticercosis and hydrocephalus: the value of ventriculoperitoneal shunting in its management

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus is the main complication of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis (EP-NC). Its symptomatic management relies mainly on the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). Previous studies have shown that this surgical procedure is associated with a poor prognosis, but current information is lacking. METHODS: We included 108 patients with a definitive diagnosis of EP-NC and hydrocephalus requiring VPS placement. We evaluated their demographic, clinical, and inflammatory characteristics, as well as the frequency of complications related to VPS placement. RESULTS: Hydrocephalus was present at the time of NC diagnosis in 79.6% of patients. VPS dysfunction occurred in 48 patients (44.4%), mainly within the first year after placement (66.7%). The dysfunctions were not associated with the location of the cyst, the inflammatory characteristics of the cerebrospinal fluid or the administration of cysticidal treatment. They were significantly more frequent in patients in whom the decision to place a VPS was made in the emergency department. Two years after VPS, patients' Karnofsky score averaged 84.6±15 and only one patient died of a cause directly related to VPS. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the utility of VPS and showed a significant improvement in the prognosis of patients requiring VPS compared with previous studies.