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Reversible cerebrospinal fluid edema and porencephalic cyst, a rare complication of ventricular catheter

Michio Ozeki1, Michinori Funato, Takahide Teramoto

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu 501-1194, Japan. mi_ti_ti_1227@yahoo.co.jp <mi_ti_ti_1227@yahoo.co.jp>

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
|March 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) edema and porencephaly are rare complications of ventricular shunts. Prompt removal of the shunt catheter can reduce these lesions and prevent irreversible brain changes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Obstructive hydrocephalus in children can necessitate ventricular shunt placement.
  • Cerebellar germinoma is a pediatric brain tumor that can lead to obstructive hydrocephalus.

Observation:

  • A 10-year-old male with cerebellar germinoma developed obstructive hydrocephalus requiring an Ommaya reservoir with a distal catheter.
  • Post-chemotherapy and radiation, MRI revealed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) edema and porencephaly in the right frontal white matter.
  • These lesions correlated with the presence of the distal ventricular catheter.

Findings:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) edema and porencephaly are rare but serious postoperative complications of ventricular shunts, particularly with distal catheter obstruction.
  • Prompt removal of the ventricular catheter led to a reduction in the observed CSF edema and porencephaly.
  • Advanced MRI techniques like FLAIR and diffusion-weighted imaging can aid in assessing these complications.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and removal of ventricular catheters are crucial to prevent irreversible brain tissue damage from edema.
  • This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for shunt complications in pediatric neuro-oncology patients.
  • Understanding these rare complications can improve management strategies for hydrocephalus in children.

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