P.136 The effectiveness of primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) on cognition and gait outcomes in adults with congenital obstructive hydrocephalus (COH)

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become a treatment of choice for adults with clinically significant chronic obstructive hydrocephalus (COH). We evaluated the impact of ETV on cognition and gait in adults with COH. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from patients who underwent ETV as primary treatment for COH. Cognitive testing using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was obtained pre-ETV at three months and one year postoperatively. Gait velocity was assessed using a 10-m walk test at each time point. Results: A total of 51 patients were identified. The mean age was 55±1 years, and 45% of patients were women. Baseline MoCA was 22.6±3.1, which improved to 25.7±3.0 and 26±3.4 at three months and one year, respectively (p<0.001). Half of the patients had a normal MoCA score post-ETV (IQR 26-27 at one year, p<0.001). Gait velocity was significantly improved at three months and 1-year post-ETV (p=0.0036). The cognitive and gait improvement one year after ETV was clinically significant. Conclusions: Cognition and gait improved at three months; results were sustained at 12 months post-ETV in adult patients with COH. ETV is an efficacious surgical consideration in this population.