ABDOMINAL CEREBROSPINAL FLUID PSEUDOCYST OCCURRING 20 YEARS AFTER VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNT PLACEMENT A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is an established procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus of diverse etiologies in children and adults. Abdominal  cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst, which is potentially life   threatening, is a rare complication and usually occurs during childhood. However, with increasinglongevity following successful treatment, it can also occur in adults. Here we describe a 32-year-old female who was admitted to our           hospital because of progressive diffuse abdominal distention. A VPS was placed 20 years earlier to treat obstructive             hydrocephalus details unknown. Abdominal computed           tomography (CT) revealed a homogeneous low-density fluid collection surrounding the VPS catheter tip occupying entire peritoneal cavity. Thus a peritoneal pseudocyst around VPS was suspected and laparotomy was performed. The large mass was found occupying the entire lower abdomen. The cystic mass was opened and 4 liters of clear fluid was drained the distal end of the VPS was left in situ. Thus, an abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst as a complication of VPS was diagnosed. Surgeons should be aware of this possible  complication, and this complication should be considered during differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen complaint.