Spontaneous Recovery From Post-hemorrhagic Obstructive Hydrocephalus: A Rare Case in an Elderly Patient

TL;DR

An elderly woman with diabetes experienced a rare spontaneous recovery from a type of brain condition caused by bleeding in the brain's ventricles.

Contribution

This case highlights a rare instance of spontaneous resolution of obstructive hydrocephalus in an elderly patient without surgery.

Findings

The patient's hydrocephalus resolved spontaneously without surgical intervention.

Neuroimaging showed complete resolution of obstruction in the aqueduct of Sylvius.

The case emphasizes the need for individualized assessment before invasive procedures.

Abstract

A 70-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with a sudden, severe headache and altered mental status. Non-contrast cranial CT performed at an external facility revealed hydrocephalus secondary to spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage localized to the aqueduct of Sylvius. Upon admission to our institution, follow-up neuroimaging demonstrated complete spontaneous resolution of the hydrocephalus, without evidence of aqueductal obstruction and without requiring neurosurgical intervention. This case represents an uncommon instance of spontaneous resolution of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular hemorrhage in an elderly patient, underscoring the importance of individualized assessment and close neurological monitoring before undertaking invasive procedures.

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