Spontaneous Ventriculostomy

Abstract

A case of cerebellar astrocytoma is presented in which spontaneous perforation of the posterior end of the third ventricle into the subarachnoid space occurred, thereby relieving the signs and symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus. Pantopaque ventriculography demonstrated the egress of contrast material into the adjacent subarachnoid cisterns. This is the first, known instance in which a clear-cut radiographic diagnosis of this rare entity was made preoperatively. Some aspects of the consequences of obstructive hydrocephalus, including diverticulum formation and free perforation of the ventricle, are discussed.