Non-obstructive hydrocephalus associated with intracranial schwannomas: hyperproteinorrhachia as an etiopathological factor?

BACKGROUND: This series illustrates the association of communicating hydrocephalus with intracranial non-obstructive schwannomas. This association has commonly been observed, however it has only been reported once previously. Moreover, in all the patients we present, hyperproteinorrhachia was a common denominator. This finding may therefore be the underlying mechanism for hydrocephalus. METHOD AND
FINDINGS: Seven patients presenting with intracranial schwannomas along with non-obstructive hydrocephalus and hyperproteinorrhachia are reported. Six had a vestibular schwannoma and presented with a unilateral deafness and various degrees of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and neuropsychological impairment. Due to their advanced ages, these patients underwent a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, and their symptoms related to hydrocephalus resolved. One patient that suffered from hemifacial dysesthesia and memory deficits presented with a non-obstructive trigeminal schwannoma. In this case the tumour was removed and the hydrocephalus was consequently reversed, and the CSF protein content normalized.
INTERPRETATION: The constant finding of hyperproteinorrhachia in all these patients suggests that a high CSF protein content may be the underlying cause of hydrocephalus through a speculative mechanism of decreased CSF resorption.