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Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2010; 53(5/06): 270-272
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1269874
Case Report

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Uncontrollable High-Frequency Tachypnea: A Rare and Nearly Fatal Complication of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Case Report and Literature Review

R. Bernard1 , F. Vallee1 , J. Mateo1 , M. Marsella2 , B. George3 , D. Payen1 , S. Chibbaro3
  • 1Neuro-ICU, Lariboisere University Hospital, Paris, France
  • 2Center for Neurosciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
  • 3Neurosurgery Department, Lariboisere University Hospital, Paris, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
07 February 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is considered a safe procedure although it carries its rate of risks and complications that may occasionally be life-threatening.

Case Report: This is a report about a 48-year-old woman presenting with progressive gait unsteadiness, weakness of the lower extremities and cognitive impairment due to tri-ventricular hydrocephalus. This was treated with standard ETV. In the immediate post-operative period the patient developed a severe and uncontrollable tachypnea requiring sedation, intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion: Tachypnea may be an early complication after standard ETV and although its mechanism remains yet unclear, we speculate that it may be related to excessive traction and/or surgical manipulation of the floor of the third ventricle. Supportive care with mechanical ventilation is the mainstay of treatment until spontaneous normalization of the respiratory mechanism occurs.

Key words

third ventriculostomy - endoscopy - tachypnea - complication

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Correspondence

Dr. S. Chibbaro

Service de Neurochirurgie

Hôpital Lariboisière

2 rue Ambroise Paré

75475 Paris cedex 10

France

Phone: +33/1/4995 8146

Fax: +33/1/4995 8155

Email: schibbaro@hotmail.com

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