Bilateral subdural hematomas after lumboperitoneal shunt placement
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Updated: May 11, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Ilona A Barash1, Anthony J Medak
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California 92103, USA.
Background:
Lumboperitoneal shunts are commonly placed as treatment for a variety of conditions, and complications can be significant.
Objectives:
We discuss a rare complication of these shunts, namely bilateral non-traumatic subdural hematoma formation.
Case Report:
A patient with a normal neurologic examination but severe nausea, weight loss, and dehydration presented 2 weeks after lumboperitoneal shunt placement for cryptococcal meningitis, and was found to have bilateral subdural hematomas.
Conclusions:
Physicians should be aware of this potentially devastating complication of shunt placement so that prompt and appropriate treatment can be initiated.
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