Meningeal diverticula treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

An infant with Chiari malformation developed respiratory distress due to progressive intrathoracic enlargement of multiple spinal meningeal diverticulae. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting of the associated hydrocephalus temporarily halted the expansion of the intrathoracic diverticulae and permanently relieved respiratory symptoms. The role of hydrostatic pressure in the enlargement of meningoceles and other spinal meningeal diverticulae is discussed. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is suggested as a surgical alternative for the treatment of symptomatic meningoceles.