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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor metastasis to the abdomen via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
David T Boyd1, Mohammad R Hayeri, Pranav K Vyas
1Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd., N.W.,Washington, DC,20007, USA. boydd323@aol.com
Abstract:
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) include a heterogeneous group that originate from primitive neuroepithelial cells. PNETs are prone to cerebrospinal fluid seeding and central nervous system spread. Infratentorial PNET, or medulloblastoma, is a common brain tumor in children and metastatic spread to the abdomen via a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt has been described. Supratentorial PNETs are much less common. We present a rare case of a predominantly supratentorial PNET metastasizing to the abdomen via a VP shunt and discuss the radiological findings. This case demonstrates the small but real risk of metastatic spread, which should be weighed when considering VP shunt placement.