Bilateral stenosis of the foramina of Monro

Case contributed by Ibrahim M. Jubarah
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Left-sided facial numbness and headache.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
This study is a stack
Axial
FLAIR
This study is a stack
Axial
T1
This study is a stack
Axial
T2
This study is a stack
Axial
Gradient Echo
This study is a stack
Coronal
T2
This study is a stack
Axial
DWI
This study is a stack
Axial
ADC
This study is a stack
Axial T1
C+ fat sat
This study is a stack
Axial
T1 C+
This study is a stack
Axial T1 C+
subtraction
This study is a stack
Axial T1 fat
sat later phase
This study is a stack
Axial
T1
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T1 C+
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T2
This study is a stack
Coronal
T1 C+
Download
Info
  • symmetrical dilatation of the lateral ventricles with normal-sized third and fourth ventricles and the rest of cerebrospinal fluid spaces, and with no abnormal periventricular or subependymal signal intensity, or detected focal lesion at the area of interventricular foramina

  • the septum pellucidum appears thinned and fenestrated

  • a hyperintense focus in the left periventricular frontal white matter on T2W/FLAIR images without mass effect, restricted diffusion, or contrast enhancement

  • the rest of the study shows normal other findings including both trigeminal nerves along their visualized tracts and both cerebellopontine angles

Case Discussion

Isolated constant inactive hydrocephalus of the lateral ventricles with thinning and fenestration of the septum pellucidum (representing chronicity) and without detected focal lesion, raising the possibility of bilateral stenosis of the interventricular foramen (of Monro).

The mentioned left frontal hyperintense focus characteristics are suggesting a non-specific incidental one, needing clinical correlation and follow-up accordingly. 

Bilateral stenosis of the interventricular foramen (of Monro) is a rare condition. 

Radiological diagnosis is done by bilateral lateral ventricular dilatation and slit-like third ventricle, with the exclusion of other possible causes.

Possible underlying causes include infection (particularly TORCH infections) causing inflammation and subsequent scarring, congenital atresia or membranes, vascular malformations, and tumors, in the area of the interventricular foramen. 

MRI with i.v. contrast agent administration and high-resolution three-dimensional sequences is the technique of choice. It is also useful in guiding the endoscopic treatment when indicated.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

:

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.