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Ascites complicating ventriculoperitoneal shunts
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison.
Insights
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts can cause ascites, a fluid buildup in the abdomen. This case highlights the need for diagnostic paracentesis and antibiotics in shunt patients with ascites.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are a primary treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Abdominal complications, including ascites, can arise from these shunts.
Observation:
- A case study of an 11-year-old girl with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt presenting with ascites.
- The ascites was associated with a low-grade peritoneal infection.
Findings:
- Diagnostic paracentesis is crucial for identifying infection in shunt-related ascites.
- Prompt antibiotic therapy is essential for managing peritoneal infections.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering infection in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts and ascites.
- Alternative cerebrospinal fluid diversion methods may be necessary in complex cases.
Abstract:
Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are currently a standard therapy for obstructive hydrocephalus. These shunts are associated with a variety of abdominal complications, one of which is the development of ascites. We report an 11-year-old girl with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in whom a low-grade peritoneal infection presented with ascites. This case demonstrates the importance of diagnostic paracenteses, appropriate antibiotic therapy and the potential need to establish an alternative route for cerebrospinal fluid diversion in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts and ascites.