Early Detection of Hydrocephalus in Infant Presenting Aqueductal Stenosis after Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Two Case Reports

Abstract The treatment of infantile hydrocephalus required consideration of age and etiology, as well as close follow-up and care. Cranial ultrasound examination is a noninvasive, operable, and cost-effective tool for assessing brain anatomy and establishing a diagnosis in neonates and infants. Because the success rates of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for infantile hydrocephalus ranged widely between 40% and 90%, regular cranial ultrasound examinations are necessary after ETV due to the risk of higher failure rate in younger infants. This report presents two newborn cases of hydrocephalus presenting with aqueductal stenosis. Due to early detection of progressive ventricular dilatation, both require additional shunt treatment following failed ETV. These cases highlight the challenges of the diverse etiologies of infantile hydrocephalus and the importance of not ignoring the progression of the disease.