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018 A retrospective analysis of shunts for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a 10-year experience at St. George’s University Hospital
  1. Sathyajith Buddhika Ambawatte,
  2. Arani Nitkunan
  1. St George’s University Hospital, Tooting, London

Abstract

Visual deterioration in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) warrants surgical intervention. All patients with IIH admitted to St. George’s, London for 10-years from 2010 were identified and those with shunts were analyzed retrospectively. Of 1234 IIH patients, 27 had shunts, 12/27 were aged 19-30 and 24 were females. The most common indication for a shunt was quantifiable visual impairment (52%). Majority had lumboperitoneal shunts (67%). The average length of stay was 16 days (2SD+/-8 days). In the first 3 years, neurologists were not involved in the care of 11/27 patients but all since. The number of shunts per year peaked at 6 in 2013 and is now 1-2. At first follow-up, vision and headache improved in 84% and 85% of patients, respectively. 40% had recurrence of symptoms despite a functioning shunt due to coexisting migraine (36%), functional neurological disorder (9%) or both (18%). The most common complication was shunt obstruction (single-revision; 30%; multiple-revisions; 19%), followed by low-pressure symptoms (26%), requiring readmissions in 81% of patients. Shunting is not without risks but is currently indicated in those with deteriorating visual function; hence, the decision to proceed with shunting in IIH should be made with vigilance in accordance with the 2018 consensus guidelines.

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