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

Keywords

Diagnosis, Differential, Hydrocephalus, Hyperostosis, Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

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.

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