Hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), which seriously affects the quality of life and shortens the survival time of affected patients. By reviewing the recent studies on the risk factors of aSAH-associated hydrocephalus, we aimed to explicitly present the pathogenesis of acute and chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH and make a comprehensive list of the associated risk factors of aSAH-associated hydrocephalus and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. It would help us to better explain the occurrence of hydrocephalus after aSAH, especially hydrocephalus caused by inflammation after bleeding. Many studies have recently suggested that high mobility group box 1 may be an early upstream promoter of inflammatory response after aSAH, which also provides important ideas for us to look for potential drug treatments. The surgery, such as external ventricular drain and lumbar drainage, is the most common and effective treatment. Yet, there are often complications, such as rebleeding and intracranial infection, and the optimal timing of intervention is controversial. Besides, this is also a systematic review of the recent advances in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of aSAH-associated hydrocephalus.