A Remarkable Turnaround: Treating Arnold-Chiari Syndrome at City International Hospital
Specialist physicians from our site successfully treat Cambodian teenager suffering from unusual brain abnormality
HCM CITY - City International Hospital (CIH) in HCM City has made quite an impression with its recent successful treatment of an 18-year-old patient from Cambodia with Arnold-Chiari syndrome. This rare congenital malformation of the central nervous system can be deadly if not identified and handled promptly.
Before seeking help in Vietnam, the patient had undergone two surgeries in Cambodia. Despite these surgeries, he continued to suffer from aggravating symptoms such as severe headaches, limb weakness, and loss of bladder control.
Upon arriving at CIH, the patient was in a drowsy state, but the hospital's leading neurosurgeon, Dr. Huỳnh Hồng Châu, recognized the seriousness of the situation. A brain CT scan revealed abnormally dilated ventricles, putting the patient at risk of coma, respiratory arrest, and death.
Châu and his team immediately performed a Ventriculo Peritoneal Shunting System (VP shunt) procedure to safely and effectively reduce intracranial pressure.
CT scan images show the Cambodian patient's abnormally dilated ventricles. - Photo courtesy of the hospital
Following initial treatment, an MRI confirmed the patient had Arnold-Chiari syndrome with the cerebellar tonsils herniating down to the C1 vertebra, causing obstructed cerebrospinal fluid flow. The doctors continued with decompression surgery to widen the posterior fossa, clearing the cerebrospinal fluid flow.
To the astonishment of everyone involved, just days after surgery, the patient regained full consciousness, could walk, and had recovered bladder function without the need for a catheter. One week after discharge, he returned for a follow-up visit in excellent health, walking independently, seeing clearly, and no longer needing assistance with daily activities.
"The importance of accurate diagnosis and timely treatment cannot be overstated. Had the patient not been treated in time, the outcome could have been much more severe," Châu said.
The City International Hospital, inaugurated in 2014, offers 320 beds across sixteen specialties, including standout departments like Obstetrics & Pediatrics, Fertility Centre, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, General Internal and Surgery, and Orthopedics. With a dedicated and experienced team of top medical professionals, the hospital is committed to providing patient-oriented care guided by medical ethics and state-of-the-art technology.
City International Hospital doctors visit the patient after he had made a positive recovery. - Photo courtesy of the hospital
Each year, the hospital welcomes more than 100,000 patients, with nearly 30% being international visitors. It offers services such as free shuttle transportation, rest areas, snack bars, and multilingual support staff to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for each patient. - VNS
Interestingly, treating Arnold-Chiari syndrome typically involves surgical intervention followed by a recovery period that lasts from several weeks to months. During this time, patients may gradually regain control over their symptoms, achieve full consciousness, and independently perform daily activities.
The successful treatment at City International Hospital (CIH) showcases the advancements in health-and-wellness technology, as Dr. Huỳnh Hông Châu ingeniously implemented a Ventriculo Peritoneal Shunting System (VP shunt) to address the patient's Arnold-Chiari syndrome. This rare neurological disorder, often causing severe health problems, was expertly diagnosed and treated by the CIH team, leading to the patient's remarkable recovery. The patient, initially in a drowsy state, made a swift turnaround, regaining full consciousness, walking, and recovering bladder function within days of surgery. This case epitomizes the importance of science, medical-conditions research, and timely treatment in improving health outcomes for individuals with Arnold-Chiari syndrome.
