Prevalence of Possible Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in Sweden
Clara Constantinescu, Carsten Wikkelsø, Eric Westman, Doerthe Ziegelitz, Daniel Jaraj, Lina Rydén, Ingmar Skoog, Mats Tullberg
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Very divergent prevalence rates for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) are reported, probably due to differences in study sample selection and diagnostic criteria. This MRI-based study aimed to determine the prevalence of iNPH and iNPH-specific radiologic changes and their association with clinical symptoms in a large, 70-year-old population-based cohort (Gothenburg H70). METHODS: -probable) iNPH fulfilling radiologic criteria according to I.G. plus highly iNPH-specific changes according to an experienced neuroradiologist. RESULTS: < 0.03). DISCUSSION: The iNPH prevalence of 1.5% among 70-year-olds, which is considerably higher than earlier reported in this age group, suggests that iNPH may be more common than previously assumed. This is supported by the 5.1% total prevalence of imaging signs of iNPH. Ventriculomegaly without other iNPH-typical radiologic findings may be an early sign of developing iNPH in some patients.