Obstruction of Magendie's and Luschka's foramina. Cine-MRI, aetiology and pathogenesis

Background. Obstruction of the Foramina of Magendie and Luschka represents one possible aetiology for a progressive tetra-ventricular hydrocephalus. Method. Our case report is a 58-year-old woman initially presenting with a pseudo-vertebrobasilar insufficiency clinical syndrome. A ventriculo-cisternostomy of the third ventricle was performed by an endoscopic procedure with a clinical and radiological success (three year follow-up). Findings. Comparative studies or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow measurements by cine magnetic resonance imaging (cinz-MRI) showed that Magendie's and Luschka's foramina permeabilities were restored after the ventriculo-cisternostomy. Interpretation. This case shows that endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy of the third ventricle can provide an effective treatment For specific tetra-ventricular hydrocephalus. Cine-MRI findings open the discussion on possible aetiologies and pathophysiologies.