Cerebrospinal fluid ascites complicating a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

An unusual case of intermittent cerebrospinal fluid ascites complicating a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is presented. The patient developed hydrocephaly secondary to blockage of the third ventricle by a recurrent craniopharyngioma. The ascites responded to paracenteses and on several occasions resolved spontaneously. There was no satisfactory explanation for the "rejection" of the cerebrospinal fluid by the peritoneal cavity. The ascites was resolved without conversion of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt to a ventriculoatrial shunt being required.