BACKGROUND: The intrathoracic complications of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt are very rare. We report an unusual case of VP shunt complication with intrathoracic migration, associated with pleural effusion in a 55-year-old man. METHODS: We reviewed the seven cases reported in the literature and the mechanism of shunt-tip migration and preventive measures are presented. RESULTS: The patient was successfully managed with revision. The catheter was retrieved and replaced in the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: With VP shunting, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of peritoneal shunt-tip migration into the chest. To prevent this kind of complication, we stressed precise location of a subcutaneous tunneling device above the ribs during subcutaneous passage.
BACKGROUND: The intrathoracic complications of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt are very rare. We report an unusual case of VP shunt complication with intrathoracic migration, associated with pleural effusion in a 55-year-old man. METHODS: We reviewed the seven cases reported in the literature and the mechanism of shunt-tip migration and preventive measures are presented. RESULTS: The patient was successfully managed with revision. The catheter was retrieved and replaced in the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: With VP shunting, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of peritoneal shunt-tip migration into the chest. To prevent this kind of complication, we stressed precise location of a subcutaneous tunneling device above the ribs during subcutaneous passage.
Authors: Michael David Jenkinson; Surajit Basu; John C Broome; Paul Richard Eldridge; Neil Buxton Journal: Childs Nerv Syst Date: 2005-05-25 Impact factor: 1.475