Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Malignant cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt 'pseudocyst': a case report
Jonathan Awori1, Chris Y Wu, Cormac O Maher
1University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA.
Insights
Abdominal pseudocysts are a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This case highlights a malignancy mimicking a pseudocyst, leading to shunt failure and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are used to treat hydrocephalus.
- Abdominal pseudocysts are an uncommon complication of VP shunts.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old boy with hydrocephalus and a VP shunt developed abdominal distention.
- Initial diagnosis was pseudocyst, but it produced large volumes of fluid and showed malignant features on MRI.
Findings:
- Laparotomy revealed a sarcoma mimicking a pseudocyst.
- The malignancy recurred aggressively with metastasis, leading to patient death.
Implications:
- This case is the first to report an abdominal malignancy mimicking a pseudocyst.
- Highlights the importance of considering malignancy in refractory VP shunt complications.
Abstract:
Abdominal pseudocysts are an uncommon complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. We present the case of a 4-year-old boy with a history of complicated hydrocephalus managed with a VP shunt due to sequelae of prematurity. The patient presented with abdominal distention, and a pseudocyst was diagnosed. Despite shunt externalization and aspiration, the pseudocyst continued to produce up to 1 liter of serosanguineous fluid per day. After MRI revealed malignant features within the pseudocyst, laparotomy was performed and the pseudocyst was partially excised. Pathology reports suggested sarcoma. The cystic mass grew back aggressively, accompanied by distant metastasis. The patient's condition deteriorated and he died from his disease. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of an abdominal malignancy mimicking a pseudocyst and causing VP shunt failure.
