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Updated: May 20, 2026

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
A child with suprasellar mass and ascites
1Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
A child with craniopharyngioma developed shunt ascites, a rare complication of cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Ventriculo-atrial shunting successfully resolved the ascites, improving the patient's condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Craniopharyngioma is a common pediatric brain tumor.
- Ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunting is a standard procedure for hydrocephalus management.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old child with craniopharyngioma developed progressive ascites and umbilical hernia one year after V-P shunting and tumor resection.
- Ascitic fluid analysis revealed a transudative nature, and imaging confirmed a patent V-P shunt.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid ascites (shunt ascites).
- Ventriculo-atrial shunting was performed to manage the complication.
Implications:
- This case highlights shunt ascites as a potential complication of V-P shunting in pediatric neurosurgery.
- Ventriculo-atrial shunting can be an effective treatment for cerebrospinal fluid ascites.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma and hydrocephalus.
Abstract:
A 7-year-old child having short stature presented with headache and vomiting of 6 months' duration. MRI of the brain showed a sellar and suprasellar mass suggestive of craniopharyngioma with hydrocephalus. He underwent a right ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunting followed by a subtotal resection of the tumour. A year later, he presented with progressive ascites and umbilical hernia. Systemic examination was unremarkable except for massive ascites. Ultrasound abdomen confirmed free-fluid in the peritoneal cavity and the ascitic fluid was transudative. Ventriculo-cysternography revealed a functional and patent V-P shunt. A diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid ascites (shunt ascites) was made and he underwent ventriculo-atrial shunting. After treatment the patient improved with the gradual disappearance of ascites.
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