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Secondary pediatric encephalocele after ventriculosubgaleal shunting for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Daniel Seeburg1, Edward Ahn2, Thierry Huisman1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.

Neuropediatrics
|December 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Two premature infants developed secondary encephaloceles after ventriculosubgaleal shunting for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. This rare complication requires awareness among healthcare providers caring for high-risk neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) are frequent complications in very low-birth-weight premature infants.
  • Ventricular shunting is often necessary for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in these neonates.
  • Advances in neonatal intensive care increase survival rates for premature infants with complex medical conditions.

Observation:

  • This report details two cases of PHH in premature infants treated with ventriculosubgaleal shunting.
  • Both infants subsequently developed a secondary encephalocele at the shunt site.
  • Encephaloceles represent a rare but significant complication following this neurosurgical procedure.

Findings:

  • Secondary encephaloceles can arise after ventriculosubgaleal shunting for PHH.
  • Encephaloceles pose risks including seizure activity, meningitis, abscess formation, and brain parenchyma infarction.
  • Radiologists and clinicians must recognize this potential complication in neonates.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of secondary encephalocele formation is crucial for neonatologists and neurosurgeons.
  • Prompt recognition and management of encephaloceles can mitigate severe neurological sequelae.
  • This finding highlights the need for careful monitoring of infants undergoing CSF shunting procedures.

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