NYMC Faculty Publications
Bone Overgrowth Causing Proximal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction
DOI
10.1016/j.wneu.2018.10.030
Journal Title
World Neurosurgery
First Page
127
Last Page
130
Document Type
Case Report
Publication Date
January 2019
Department
Neurosurgery
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus is an international disease process that is commonly treated surgically with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This device may be prone to malfunction, most commonly from obstruction, disconnection, or infection. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 35-year-old female with hydrocephalus and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt presented with altered mental status and imaging concerning for a shunt malfunction. Intraoperatively, she was found to have bone growing over and compressing the proximal occluder of the shunt valve, causing a mechanical obstruction. Removal of the bone allowed for egress of cerebrospinal fluid and return of proper shunt function. The patient did well postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Hydrocephalus, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, and shunt revisions represent a significant health burden and cost. Here we present an unusual cause of a shunt malfunction caused by bony overgrowth.
Recommended Citation
Kim, M., Rybkin, I., Smith, H., Cooper, J., & Tobias, M. (2019). Bone Overgrowth Causing Proximal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction. World Neurosurgery, 121, 127-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2018.10.030