NYMC Faculty Publications
Bone Overgrowth Causing Proximal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction
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
