Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst in a severely handicapped patient with hydrocephalus.

We present a case of an abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst as a rare complication of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient is a severely handicapped bedridden spastic quadriplegic with hydrocephalus. He underwent surgical reconstruction of a shunt tube because of shunt disconnection at the age of 12 years. Fever and frequent vomiting developed 2 months after surgery, and abdominal fullness gradually became severe. He was diagnosed as having an abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst on abdominal ultrasonography. If a shunt dysfunction is suspected, this type of cyst should also be considered, and abdominal ultrasonography should be performed as one of the screening tests for determining the cause of the shunt dysfunction.     

Latent abscess formation adjacent to a non-functioning intraventricular catheter

CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old male patient who had been treated at the age of 13 months with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt due to obstructive hydrocephalus was presented to our department for a routine follow-up examination. The patient had tolerated well a shunt disconnection in 1990 and the distal part had been removed. Six years later radiological evaluation revealed an intracerebral mass adjacent to the remaining intraventricular catheter. The mass, histologically classified as an abscess, had to be removed 3 years later due to disease progression, although the patient remained asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: This case is of particular interest because it demonstrates the extremely delayed onset and progressive course of a well-known complication of VP shunt systems in an asymptomatic patient. In addition, the reported case raises the question of whether a non-functioning shunt needs to be removed or not.     

What should we do with a discontinued shunt?

Purpose  

The reported rate is up to 10% of shunt disconnection or fracture, either ventriculoperitoneal or subduroperitoneal. However, not all of shunt discontinuity is associated with shunt malfunction. We analyzed the discontinuity of the shunt system and related factors and tried to present a follow-up policy.     

Treatment approaches for abdominal migration of peritoneal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Migration of peritoneal catheter into the abdominal cavity is rare. We have discussed and presented the treatment options in two cases with accompanying literature. Abdominal migration of peritoneal catheter appears as a result of shunt fracture and disconnection. The complaints on presentation in the abdominal cavity migration of peritoneal catheter are due to shunt dysfunction and peritoneal irritation. The peritoneal catheter with abdominal migration should be removed in cases where abdominal symptoms are present. This procedure may be easily performed laparoscopically with a single mini incision. In some cases, the catheter may cause adhesions to the intra-abdominal organs. Forcefully pulled catheters may result in organ injuries. One should therefore switch to laparotomy in these cases.     

以视力下降为主要表现的儿童脑积水术后分流障碍的临床研究:附五例报告

目的探讨以视力下降为主要表现的脑积水术后分流障碍患儿的临床特点、诊治方法及临床结局。方法回顾性分析2015年10月至2019年10月上海交通大学医学院附属上海儿童医学中心神经外科收治的5例以视力下降为主要表现的脑室-腹腔(V-P)分流术后分流障碍患儿(占同期收治的96例V-P分流障碍患儿的5.2%)的临床资料。既往均因脑积水于出生后6个月内行V-P分流术。此次发病的病程为2 d至2年。此次入院所有患儿均行分流管修复术,术后均予门诊随访和影像学随访评估手术结局。结果5例患儿中,2例以头痛伴急性视力下降就诊;3例以视力下降伴或不伴复视、斜视就诊。术前头颅CT结果显示,1例患儿脑室增大,4例患儿脑室未见明显增大。术前X线片显示4例为分流管断裂、1例经手术探查发现为分流管脑室端堵塞。行分流管修复术后分流管通畅。5例患儿术后随访4~49个月,术前的头痛等颅高压症状均消失,但视觉障碍均无明显改善,3例患儿存在视神经萎缩。结论以视力下降为主要表现的脑积水术后分流障碍的发病率较低,可伴有颅高压症状,且易误诊而延误治疗。头颅CT、全程X线片和眼底检查是确诊V-P分流术后分流障碍的重要检查方法。分流管修复术对术前已存在的视力下降效果不佳,应尽早明确诊断,积极手术有可能缓解或避免视力问题进一步加重。     

Treatment of infected ventricular shunts.

25 shunt infections following 23 vascular and 2 peritoneal shunts are reviewed, thus enlarging a previous review. Intraventricular administration of antibiotics are essential to reach the CSF beyond the blood-SF barrier, the tubing and the valve. Methicillin in dosages of 25-50 mg/day, intraventricularly combined with systemic therapy, have been used most often in this series. The only death in this series occurred when the infection was cured. The remaining 24 have no evidence of residual infection following 6 months to 5 years. Only 14 have had shunt removal. The results indicate that shunt removal should not be the initial means of treating infected shunts.     

Prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage during CSF shunt revisions by means of a flexible coagulating electrode A preliminary report

We report the preliminary results of a prospective study in 19 patients (22 procedures) undergoing ventricular catheter replacement at the time of CSF shunt revision to determine the value of intraluminal coagulation by means of a flexible monopolar coagulating electrode in preventing ventricular hemorrhage following catheter removal. These patients had their first shunt implanted during infancy, and underwent shunt revision during the 1-year period between October 1996 and October 1997. Sixteen patients were found to have adherent ventricular catheters, that necessitated the use of diathermy for their removal. In 10 procedures electrocoagulation was applied to the stylet of the ventricular catheter thus permitting tube extraction. In the remaining 8 shunt revisions catheter removal was readily accomplished by coagulation applied to a flexible monopolar endoscopic electrode introduced into the lumen of the tube. Two patients developed mild intraventricular hemorrhage following the use of each of the two methods described above. Both coagulation techniques used during the routine withdrawal of ventricular catheters seem to be equally effective. The flexible coagulating electrode has the additional advantage over the stylet of being moldable, allowing its use in cases in which the catheter does not follow a straight course within the ventricular cavity. Received: 25 November 1997     

Withdrawal of shunt systems – clinical use of the programmable shunt system and its effect on hydrocephalus in children

OBJECTS: The most important function of the programmable valve (PV) is to limit the shunt-dependent flow of the cerebrospinal fluid by upgrading valve pressure. This activates the regular circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which may make successful removal of the shunt possible once sufficient cerebral development has been achieved. The purpose of this paper is to indicate the possibility of shunt removal using the programmable Medos and Sophy valves (one programmable Sophy valve was specially designed for this situation). METHODS: Prior to regular use of the PV, removal of existing shunt systems was attempted in 57 children, since some systems malfunctioned and others had abdominal tubes that were meanwhile too short as the children had grown as they became older. Shunt removal was successfully achieved in only 18 patients (32%). However, in patients in whom PV valves were used, shunt removal was successful in 68 out of 114 patients (57%). This shows that the success rate of shunt removal becomes significantly higher when PV valves are used. The 68 cases in which PV valves were used and shunt removal was successful were divided into three groups: A, B, and C. In group A (36 cases, 53%), the Medos valve was used for the initial PV shunt implantation and the pressure was gradually increased up to 200 mmH2O. The shunt systems were then withdrawn. Group B (29 cases, 43%) includes patients who experienced both the minor symptoms and ventricular enlargement attributable to increased valve pressure. The pressure was gradually upgraded by pumping several times and was maintained at close to 200 mmH2O. After 6-24 months' observation shunt removal was performed, and in 21 out of 29 cases the outcome was good. However, the remaining 8 patients (12%) still had symptoms and required shunt reinsertion. The specially designed Sophy valves were then used, which allowed the pressure to be set at above 200 mmH2O. The pressure was increased by degrees up to 400 mmH2O and kept at the same level for 6-24 months. The shunt systems were then removed successfully. Although a high pressure setting was required over a sustained period, a total of 29 patients (43%) were able to have their shunts removed. In group C (3 cases, 4%), which included patients with aqueduct stenosis, the pressure was raised and thus allowed ventricle enlargement. Third ventriculostomy was performed under neuroendoscopy with the shunt pressure maintained at a high level. Shunt systems were removed successfully. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that it is possible to remove the shunt systems in 50% or more of pediatric hydrocephalus cases in which PV valves are used. This is achieved through careful control of the valve pressure. Close observation is essential during the period when the PV pressure is maintained at a high level, as well as 6-12 months after shunt removal.     

Spontaneous peritoneal catheter knot formation: A rare cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting remains invaluable in the management of hydrocephalus. It is a common procedure that can be complicated by shunt malfunction due to infection, blockage and disconnection. Spontaneous peritoneal catheter knot formation causing CSF flow obstruction is a rare phenomenon. We present a case of a 12 years old boy with spontaneous knot formation in the peritoneal catheter causing VP shunt obstruction and hydrocephalus.     

Proof of the patent subcutaneous fibrous tract in children with V-P shunt malfunction

A connective tissue sheath that forms around the peritoneal catheter of silicone ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunt tubing is quite often observed in children with V-P shunts. However, proof of the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through these sheaths has been reported in only one published study to date. We present four cases associated with chronic malfunction of the V-P shunt peritoneal catheter. In these cases, CSF passage through the subcutaneous fibrous tract, which had a pericatheter connective tissue sheath, was demonstrated around the V-P shunt peritoneal catheter. In the first case the patient suffered intermittent headache attacks over a long period of time; abdominal migration of the peritoneal catheter was detected. The second patient, who had been asymptomatic in the follow-up period with an outgrown peritoneal catheter, was admitted with acute hydrocephalus symptoms. A peritoneal catheter disconnection was detected in another patient, who had had multiple shunt revisions previously. In the last case, an obstruction of the peritoneal catheter was detected. The existence of the subcutaneous fibrous tract and its function were demonstrated by radio-opaque shuntogram in two cases and radionuclide shuntogram in the other two cases. In all four cases V-P shunt revision was performed. Within this study, the possible passage of CSF through a fibrous tract in cases of migration, outgrowth, disconnection or obstruction of the peritoneal shunt catheter was demonstrated. In conclusion, patients with shunt malfunction with a well-grown pericatheter fibrous sheath who are either asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic and show no evidence of active ventricular dilatation on their cranial CT scan should not be regarded as having arrested hydrocephalus until radio-opaque or radionuclide shuntogram studies have been done. Received: 26 February 1999     

How to get rid of the shunt: a comment

The aspects to be considered before removal of a shunt placed earlier for treatment of hydrocephalus are reviewed. The methods proposed so far for determination of whether a shunt is still needed are described. Their low reliability is stressed, as are the risk inherent in shunt removal.Presented at the Consensus Conference: Hydrocephalus '92, Assisi, Italy, 26–30 April 1992     

Percutaneous ventriculoatrial shunt: experience with 179 cases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of percutaneous placement of a distal catheter on treatment results in patients with hydrocephalus undergoing ventriculoatrial shunt (VA) implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 184 patients aged 14-80 years (mean: 48 yrs) with hydrocephalus who were treated with VA shunt between 1990-2003. In 179 patients the cardiac catheter was introduced by catheterization of the internal jugular vein, rarely the subclavian or external jugular vein, using the Seldinger technique and standard equipment for central vein catheterization. The mean follow-up time was 64 months. RESULTS: The most frequent complication related to the method used was an incidental puncture of the carotid artery (5% of cases). Pneumothorax was observed in two cases. None of these complications caused permanent sequelae. Early (<6 months) postoperative complications included shunt infection in the neck region (2 cases), impatience of the cardiac catheter (3), disconnection between the outlet and the cardiac catheter with its subsequent migration (1) and kinking of the distal catheter (1). Late (>6 months) complications included infection along the distal catheter (2 cases), occlusion of the cardiac catheter (4) and its disconnection (1). The mean duration of the procedure was 40 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous placement of the cardiac catheter is a safe procedure which shortens the duration of the operation and minimizes tissue traumatization. This method may contribute to a decreased risk of infection. VA shunt with presented modification may be used in those patients for whom implantation of ventriculoperitoneal shunt is contraindicated.     

Torticollis as a late complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery

The pathophysiological mechanisms related to aging of the material of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and how mechanical stresses and mechanical traction applied to the VP shunt catheter contributed to the development of torticollis are discussed. We report a 14-year-old boy with torticollis developing as a late complication 12 years after placement of a left VP shunt for the treatment of aqueductal stenosis. The shunt tube and the surrounding fibrocalcified band were removed, and the patient’s torticollis resolved completely without recurrence. Biomechanical dysfunction of shunt material with resultant tethering at the most mobile part of the shunt tubing (neck) in a growing child can lead to the development of torticollis. To our knowledge this is the first report of this VP shunt complication.     

Treatment of traumatic acute subdural hematoma in adult hydrocephalus patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunt

Objective

The presence of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt is a predisposing factor for the development of subdural hematoma (SDH) in patients with hydrocephalus. However, few reports have addressed how patients with a CSF shunt should be treated in the event of traumatic acute SDH. The purpose of this study was to show how post-traumatic management of CSF shunt affects acute SDH in adult patients with hydrocephalus.

Methods

Twelve patients were studied retrospectively. Pressure settings of shunt valve prior to head injury (HI), severity of HI, treatment on admission, changes in SDH thickness and subsequent hydrocephalus were mainly analyzed.

Results

Ten patients experienced mild HI, with nine showing neurological deterioration until admission. Five patients needed surgical hematoma removal soon after admission. SDH recurred in four cases where shunt pressure levels were kept relatively low. Shunt ligation or raising the pressure level in the programmable valve proved effective for controlling postoperative SDH in such cases. Six of the remaining seven patients underwent only shunt ligation or readjustment of pressure level in the programmable valve on admission. SDH thickness was reduced as ventricles dilated without major neurological complications. Four patients showed delayed development of SDH even though shunts were kept ligated.

Conclusions

Hematoma removal alone may result in hematoma recurrence and require a second treatment comprising shunt management to effectively control hematoma. Using shunt management as the only initial treatment can reduce hematoma volume, but some patients may suffer delayed SDH development and require surgery.     

Dural arteriovenous fistulae at the foramen magnum

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) affect predominantly levels of the lower thoracic and lumbar segments; only 13 cases have been reported of DAVF at the foramen magnum. We present three surgically treated patients with DAVF at the foramen magnum. In none of our three patients could the site of the arteriovenous fistula be suspected from the clinical presentation. The clinical course varied form acutely developing signs and symptoms to a 10-year history of very slowly progressing symptoms. After neuroradiological diagnosis the patients were operated on direct microsurgical disconnection of the arteriovenous shunt via an enlargement of the foramen magnum and a hemilaminectomy of C1. DAVF at the foramen magnum may thus present with slowly to acutely progessing clinical symptoms and signs. Spinal angiographic examination should include the level of the foramen magnum if standard spinal angiography of thoracic, lumbar, and sacral segments is negative in suspected spinal DAVF since the nidus of the shunt can be situated remote from the level of neurological disorder. DAVF at the foramen magnum can be treated very effectively and with minimal surgical trauma by direct microsurgical disconnection of the shunt. This surgical procedure is indicated if embolization with glue is not possible or is unssuccessful. Received: 10 May 2000, Received in revised form: 14 August 2000, Accepted: 1 October 2000     

脑室-腹腔分流术初次感染后再感染原因分析

目的 探讨脑室-腹腔分流术(VP)初次感染后再感染的原因及处理.方法 回顾性分析2007年2月1日至2012年2月1日苏州大学附属第一人民医院神经外科海泰电子病历系统V1.0中记录有脑室-腹腔分流术患者的病例资料及分流管感染情况.结果 372例行脑室-腹腔分流术患者,初次感染24人,5例再感染.初次感染后的处理:拨除引流管21人,其中拔管后不再重新置管3人,无再感染,拔管后外引流至脑脊液正常后再置管18人,2例发生再感染,初次感染后不拔管应用抗生素及对症治疗2人,部分拔管改脑脊液外引流后再置分流管1人,均发生再感染.结论 脑室-腹腔分流术后初次感染立即拔除引流管并全身应用抗生素,是最佳的治疗方案,初次感染后不拔管或部分拔管的治疗无法控制感染.     

Reversible parkinsonism following ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a patient with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular neurocysticercosis

Parkinsonism with evidence of midbrain dysfunction has been reported in a few patients with aqueductal stenosis after placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The response to levodopa is variable. We report a patient with neurocysticercosis of the fourth ventricle who developed transient parkinsonism without evidence of midbrain dysfunction after placement of a VP shunt. The frequency of tremor was 5-5.5 Hz. Though the response to levodopa was initially slow, later it was significant, and after 3 months he was asymptomatic without levodopa. The exact pathophysiology of parkinsonism in our patient remained obscure.     

First clinical results with a telemetric shunt-integrated ICP-sensor

The telemetric shunt-integrated sensors available up to now do not deliver negative CSF pressure values. Therefore, a new sensor was designed which is incorporated into the shunt line proximally to the valve. The monitor calculates the pressure values in relation to the atmospheric pressure obtained by a built-in barometer. The sensor covers a pressure range of -100 cmH2O to 200 cmH2O with a resolution of +/- 1 cmH2O. First follow-up experiences are reported with seven patients over 14-17 months. Depending on the patient's body position telemetrically measured CSF-pressures varied between -20 cmH2O in erect and 15 cmH2O in supine position. In a patient with intermittent shunt dysfunction and stiff ventricular walls telemetrically measured CSF values corresponded earlier and were more sensitive with the clinical symptomatology than with the CT scan. So far, recognizable advantages of the telesensor are an improved assessment of shunt dysfunction and marginal CSF pressure increases, with practicability and simplicity of measurements in outpatients and a reduction of expensive CT or MRI controls.     

A Retrospective Analysis of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Revision Cases of a Single Institute

Objective

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt complication is a major obstacle in the management of hydrocephalus. To study the differences of VP shunt complications between children and adults, we analyzed shunt revision surgery performed at our hospital during the past 10 years.

Methods

Patients who had undergone shunt revision surgery from January 2001 to December 2010 were evaluated retrospectively by chart review about age distribution, etiology of hydrocephalus, and causes of revision. Patients were grouped into below and above 20 years old.

Results

Among 528 cases of VP shunt surgery performed in our hospital over 10 years, 146 (27.7%) were revision surgery. Infection and obstruction were the most common causes of revision. Fifty-one patients were operated on within 1 month after original VP shunt surgery. Thirty-six of 46 infection cases were operated before 6 months after the initial VP shunt. Incidence of shunt catheter fracture was higher in younger patients compared to older. Two of 8 fractured catheters in the younger group were due to calcification and degradation of shunt catheters with fibrous adhesion to surrounding tissue.

Conclusion

The complications of VP shunts were different between children and adults. The incidence of shunt catheter fracture was higher in younger patients. Degradation of shunt catheter associated with surrounding tissue calcification could be one of the reasons of the difference in facture rates.