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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
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Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst: a complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in adults

F Aparici-Robles1, R Molina-Fabrega

  • 1Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico de Adultos, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain. feraparici@comv.es

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology
|April 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts are rare in adults but can occur after ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. Imaging like CT and ultrasound can diagnose these pseudocysts by showing the shunt

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are used to treat hydrocephalus.
  • Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocysts are a rare complication of VPS.
  • This complication is even rarer in adult patients.

Observation:

  • This study reviewed six adult patients with abdominal CSF pseudocysts secondary to VPS.
  • Patients presented with abdominal pain, distension, and a palpable mass.
  • Imaging modalities included plain-film radiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT).

Findings:

  • All patients exhibited a fluid collection near or involving the VPS catheter.
  • Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound visualized the distal VPS tip within a homogeneous intraperitoneal collection.
  • This finding is the primary diagnostic sign for abdominal CSF pseudocysts.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis of abdominal CSF pseudocysts is crucial for effective management.
  • Familiarity with imaging findings aids in diagnosing this rare VPS complication.
  • Understanding imaging characteristics can guide treatment strategies for affected adult patients.

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