Hydrocephalus secondary to hydrodynamic disequilibrium in an adult patient with a choroidal-type arteriovenous malformation.

We describe an adult patient with an unruptured choroidal-type arteriovenous malformation (AVM) associated with progressive hydrocephalus. There was no evidence of mechanical obstruction of the ventricular system by the AVM nidus itself or a draining vein. However significant reflux into periventricular and transmedullary veins was demonstrated. Following partial targeted embolization of the AVM, no further reflux was observed, the patient's clinical deficits resolved, and the hydrocephalus improved. We suggest a hydrodynamic disorder as a potential pathomechanism of hydrocephalus in this adult patient with an unruptured AVM.