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Cystic dilatation of the ventriculus terminalis: A narrative review
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Cystic dilatation of the ventriculus terminalis: A narrative review

Atallah Oday, Amr Badary, Nasser M. F. El-Ghandour, Yasser F. Almealawy, Andrew Awuah Wireko, Nikolaos Syrmos, Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana, Mohammad Al-Barbarawi, Anil Ergen, Prabin Shrestha, …
Journal of craniovertebral junction and spine, Vol.14(4), pp.319-329
10/01/2023
DOI: 10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_98_23
PMCID: PMC10805159
PMID: 38268679
url
https://doi.org/10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_98_23View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: The terminal ventricle, also known as the fifth ventricle, is a tiny relic cavity in the conus medullaris of the human spinal cord. Our purpose in bringing attention to this condition is to get the word out about the signs and symptoms, diagnostic hurdles, and therapeutic options available for it. Methods: All relevant studies involving patients diagnosed with ventriculus terminalis (VT) were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies published in complete English language reports were included. The terms VT, terminal ventricle, and 5th ventricle. Age, gender, presenting symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging findings, treatment, and outcome of patients with ventriculus terminalis were all included and recorded. Results: The average age of the patients was 39 years, and there were 13 men among them (14.4%). Motor deficits and sciatica were the most commonly reported symptoms in 38 and 34 patients (42.2%, 37.7%), respectively. In 48 patients (53.3%), cyst fenestration was performed, and in 25 patients (27.7%), myelotomy was performed. Fifty-eight patients (64.4%) saw a reduction in cyst size after surgery. The majority of patients reported an improvement in their symptoms in 64 cases (51.1%), with only three cases (3.3%) reporting a worsening. Conclusions: In cases where the VT is the source of symptoms such as motor, sensory, or bladder dysfunction, surgical intervention is recommended. This review compiles information from the available literature to shed light on the anatomy, clinical presentation, imaging, and treatment options for this variant. It also aims to pinpoint any potential drawbacks or restrictions connected to the surgical techniques.
 Life Sciences & Biomedicine Otorhinolaryngology Science & Technology

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