ARTICLE. Aragonès JM, Altimiras J, Alonso F, Roura P, Alfonso S, Bajo L. (2018). Hidrocefalia normotensiva idiopática: alta incidencia en mayores de 80 años. Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología, 53(2), 85–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regg.2017.06.007

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is usually observed in adults over 60 years of age. The highest incidence of cases is between 70 and 80 years-old, and it could be under-diagnosed in over 80 year-olds.

OBJECTIVE:

A description is presented on the overall incidence and age group incidence, the delay in the diagnosis, and main outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A descriptive study was performed on patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, in the population of Osona County during the years 2010-2015.

RESULTS:

The annual incidence rate was 4.43 per 100,000 inhabitants. The incidence increased with age; from 8.09 per 100,000 in the 60 to 69 years age group, to 23.61 per 100,000 in the 70-79 years age group of, and to 37.02 per 100,000 in the 80-89 years age. The delay in the diagnosis was 15.01 ± 10.35 months. All the patients improved after surgery, but only 73.3% of the patients maintained the improvement after one year.

CONCLUSIONS:

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is an age related disease and probably underdiagnosed in the elderly. An early diagnosis and a clinical suspicion are essential in patients over 80 years old.