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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Intraventricular fat from retrograde flow through a lumboperitoneal shunt
William Gallmann1, Eduardo Gonzalez-Toledo, Rosario Riel-Romero
1Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA. wgallmann@gmail.com
Summary
Intraventricular fat deposits were found in a patient with a lumboperitoneal shunt. This may be due to retrograde abdominal fat flow, as the shunt lacks a valve.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- A 25-year-old female with pseudotumor cerebri underwent lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt placement.
- The patient experienced multiple shunt-related complications, necessitating revisions and hernia repair.
Observation:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed intraventricular fat deposits.
- These findings were noted in the absence of a ruptured dermoid cyst.
Findings:
- The intraventricular fat is hypothesized to result from retrograde flow of abdominal fat.
- This retrograde flow is possible in LP shunts (lacking valves) when abdominal pressure exceeds lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure, particularly when the shunt tip was in the abdominal wall.
Implications:
- While unlikely to cause immediate symptoms, the fat deposits warrant monitoring.
- Continued surveillance for cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction or neurological decline is recommended.
