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Neuropediatrics 2024; 55(01): 063-066
DOI: 10.1055/a-2202-3774
Short Communication

The Possible Role of the Superior Sagittal Sinus in Regulating Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics among Preterm Infants: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Chiara Andreato   *
1   Department of Medical and Surgical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
2   Neonatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
,
Sara Uccella   *
1   Department of Medical and Surgical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
3   Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
,
Marcella Battaglini
1   Department of Medical and Surgical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
2   Neonatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
,
Mattia Pacetti
4   Neurosurgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
,
Domenico Tortora
5   Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
,
Luca A. Ramenghi
1   Department of Medical and Surgical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
2   Neonatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
› Author Affiliations Funding This work was supported by #NEXTGENERATIONEU (NGEU) and funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), project MNESYS (PE0000006)—A Multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease (DN. 1553 11.10.2022). The work was developed within the framework of the DINOGMI Department of Excellence of MIUR 2018-2022 (law 232/2016).
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Abstract

We report the case of a preterm of 27 weeks of gestation who developed posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation associated to a complete thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus, for its peculiar interest in clarifying the physiology of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. The exact CSF volume that must be removed to improve cerebral hemodynamics and outcomes in infants with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation is unknown. According to Volpe's studies, a volume of 10 to 15 mL/kg/die of body weight is commonly chosen. The subject we report needed an excessive CSF drainage (up to 32 mL/kg/d), in presence of a functioning external ventricular drain. We review the literature on the topic, and we postulate that the superior sagittal sinus may play an active role in the CSF dynamics of the immature brain (as it happens for the adult brain).

Keywords

prematurity - hydrocephalus - superior sagittal sinus - cerebral venous sinus thrombosis - cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

Written Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.


Ethics Statement

The manuscript was written in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.


Data Availability

Raw data supporting the conclusions of this manuscript can be made available by the authors to any qualified researcher without undue reservation.


Authors' Contributions

L.A.R. conceptualize the study. C.A. and S.U. revised the subject's clinical history and the literature on the topic, interpreted the data, drew the pictures, and drafted the manuscript. C.A., S.U., M.B., M.P., and D.T. were involved in the clinical work on the illustrated subject. All authors discussed the results, commented on the manuscript, and approved the final version.


* Both the authors contributed equally.




Publication History

Received: 17 August 2023

Accepted: 30 October 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
01 November 2023

Article published online:
23 December 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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