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Updated: May 29, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Delayed otogenic pneumocephalus complicating ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Francesco Pieri1, Carla Daniela Anania, Paolo Perrini
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Neurology India
|September 6, 2011
Summary
Tension pneumocephalus after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is rare. Prompt surgical repair of temporal bone defects is crucial for managing this life-threatening condition and reducing patient mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are used to treat hydrocephalus.
- Complications, though rare, require prompt recognition and management.
Observation:
- An elderly male developed delayed tension pneumocephalus 12 months post-ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for hydrocephalus.
- Imaging revealed a petrous apex pneumatocele with a tegmen tympani defect.
Findings:
- The patient's shunt valve pressure was temporarily increased.
- Successful subtemporal extradural repair of the temporal bone defect was performed.
Implications:
- Otogenic tension pneumocephalus is a rare but serious complication.
- Urgent surgical repair of temporal bone defects is vital to prevent morbidity and mortality.
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