Recurrent symptomatic pleural effusion due to a ventriculopleural shunt

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Farzan Irani1, Hussam Elkambergy, Kelechi Okoli

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, St Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43608, USA. farzan_i@yahoo.com

Respiratory Care
|August 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Ventriculopleural shunts, rarely used for normal pressure hydrocephalus, can cause pleural effusion. This case report highlights a patient whose effusion resolved after shunt ligation, suggesting a non-infectious mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Ventriculopleural shunts are an uncommon treatment for adult normal pressure hydrocephalus.
  • Pleural effusion is a known complication, particularly in pediatric patients.

Observation:

  • A case of recurrent right-sided pleural effusion is presented, occurring two years post-ventriculopleural shunt insertion for normal pressure hydrocephalus.
  • The effusion showed no signs of infection.

Findings:

  • The pleural effusion resolved completely after the ventriculopleural shunt was ligated.
  • This suggests a non-infectious etiology related to the shunt itself.

Implications:

  • Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for clinicians managing patients with ventriculopleural shunts.
  • Early recognition and potential shunt revision can prevent further complications and guide management.

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