Endoscopic intervention for Intraventricular neurocysticercal cyst: Challenges and outcome analysis from a single institute experience

Abstract Objective Endoscopic intervention is presently proposed as standard approach for the treatment of Intraventricular neurocysticercal cyst (IVNCC) as it helps to retrieve the cyst as well as CSF diversion. We present our series of 61 patients with IVNCC managed by endoscopic intervention and analyze the outcome. Method A retrospective analysis of 61 patients with IVNCC managed between 1998-2019 at our institute was performed. We reviewed the clinical details of consecutive patients, management, and outcome. Results There were 61 patients with 34 males and 27 females. The mean age was 25 years. Fourth ventricular location is the most common (n = 34) followed by third ventricle(n = 14) and lateral ventricle (n = 13). Cyst retrieval could be done in 43 cases, while the cyst could not be retrieved in 18 cases due to intraventricular bleed, CSF turbidity, adhesion of cyst wall etc. Along with cyst retrieval, some patients underwent Endoscopic Third ventriculostomy, septostomy, foraminotomy for internal CSF diversion. Seven patients had a preoperative VP shunt surgery. The median follow-up was 12 months. Preoperative shunt (CI:1.33-62, P = 0.02) was associated with failure of cyst retrieval in univariate analysis as well as in multivariate regression analysis (CI: 0.02-0.94, P = 0.04). Two patients underwent shunt surgery at follow-up period due to the failure of endoscopic CSF diversion. Conclusion Endoscopic management of IVNCC is a safe and effective management option, avoiding an indwelling shunt system. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy should be considered for patients with IVNCC and hydrocephalus.