Obstructive Hydrocephalus Presenting as Impending Eclampsia in a 37-Week Gestation: A Case Study - Report - MDSpire

Obstructive Hydrocephalus Presenting as Impending Eclampsia in a 37-Week Gestation: A Case Study

  • By

  • Jie Huang

  • Jianhao Sun

  • Liangsen Teng

  • Zhenzhen Wu

  • Shiyu Li

  • Jiaqi Chen

  • Haiyan Liu

  • Shumei Tuo

  • Lianying Li

  • Qing Liu

  • Xinjuan Jiao

  • Xiaohua Ding

  • April 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Obstructive Hydrocephalus Presenting as Impending Eclampsia

Overview

Revise to emphasize the critical nature of recognizing atypical headaches in pregnant patients.

Background

Expand on the rarity of obstructive hydrocephalus in pregnancy and its implications.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data was presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 25-year-old woman at 37 weeks of gestation presented with severe headache and edema, meeting criteria for severe preeclampsia.
  • Neuroimaging post-delivery revealed significant ventriculomegaly, indicating obstructive hydrocephalus.
  • The patient's headache improved significantly after a brief course of mannitol.
  • Persistent or unusual headaches in pregnant women with hypertension should prompt immediate neuroimaging to rule out secondary causes.
  • This case underscores the importance of distinguishing between preeclampsia and other intracranial conditions.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should maintain a low threshold for neuroimaging in pregnant patients presenting with atypical headaches, especially when accompanied by neurological symptoms. Early identification of conditions like obstructive hydrocephalus can prevent delays in treatment and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Conclusion

Reinforce the importance of education for healthcare providers on rare pregnancy-related conditions.

References

  1. Urgent Surgical Intervention for Spontaneous Subdural Hematoma in a Newborn Infant, 2020 -- Springer
  2. Rhombencephalitis: An Overlooked Diagnosis in Postpartum Patients - A Case Study, 2025 -- Springer
  3. In pregnancy, the retina ‘works’ for two, 2017 -- Ophthalmology Management
  4. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® -- Headache, 2025
  5. 2025 ESC Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease in Pregnancy
  6. Pediatric Cardiology — Clinical Case of TRAP Sequence: Can a Single Umbilical Artery Serve as an Ultrasound Indicator for Fetal Heart Failure Risk?
  7. ACR Appropriateness Criteria®
  8. 2025 ESC Guidelines for the
  9. Safety of Pregnancy and Delivery With Shunted Hydrocephalus | Neurology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

Original Source(s)

Obstructive Hydrocephalus Presenting as Impending Eclampsia in a 37-Week Gestation: A Case Study

  • by Jie Huang, Jianhao Sun, Liangsen Teng, Zhenzhen Wu, Shiyu Li, Jiaqi Chen, Haiyan Liu, Shumei Tuo, Lianying Li, Qing Liu, Xinjuan Jiao, Xiaohua Ding

  • April 24, 2026

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