Communicating hydrocephalus in glioblastoma presenting as chronic hydrocephalus: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

Communicating hydrocephalus (CH) is an uncommon complication that can affect patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Due to its clinical and radiological findings, it presents as a chronic hydrocephalus. The mechanisms underlying its occurrence and impact on the prognosis of the disease are poorly known, but some studies have suggested that shunting can have a positive impact on the quality of life of these patients.

Methods

The authors performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to identify the possible risk factors that could help to identify CH cases in glioblastoma, using the MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results

Our search yielded 273 studies, but only 9 records were included in the final quantitative analysis. CH in glioblastoma patients was found to be very uncommon (proportion 0.04 out of 1; range 0.03–0.05, p < 0.01, CI:95%) and its occurrence was associated with a previous ventricular opening (0.85 out of 1; range 0.66–0.94, p < 0.01, CI:95%).

Conclusion

CH in glioblastoma should be suspected in patients with GBM who have undergone accidental ventricular opening during tumor resection and presenting with chronic hydrocephalus symptoms.