Background: Cerebral atrium diverticula are focal enlargements of the ventricular system that may develop in the presence of persistent intracranial hypertension, but they are rarely described in cases of acute intracranial hypertension. Here we present a unique case of obstructive hydrocephalus in a newborn due to the formation of a cerebral atrium diverticulum compressing the ventricular system.
Case discussion: A preterm 38-week-old boy was born with urgent caesarian section due to severe hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of a subacute right subdural hematoma with secondary obstructive hydrocephalus. The cystic lesion was characterized as a right ventricular atrium diverticulum. The child underwent urgent burr-hole evacuation of the right subdural hematoma with complete regression of the obstructive hydrocephalus and right atrial diverticulum.
Conclusion: Cerebral atrium diverticula are rare focal dilatations of the ventricular system, and their radiologic diagnosis may be challenging. Accurate diagnosis of atrial diverticula and understanding of the underlying physiopathology is mandatory to establish the appropriate operative strategy.
Keywords: Cerebral ventriculomegaly; Congenital hydrocephalus; Intracranial hypertension; Newborn; Obstructive hydrocephalus; Subdural hematoma; Ventricular atrium diverticulum.
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