Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Failure Due to Distal Peritoneal Catheter Kinking

BACKGROUND Hydrocephalus is a common condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite advancements in shunt systems and valve designs, complications associated with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are steadily recognized and reported in the literature. Here, we present an unusual case of VP shunt failure due to catheter kinking at the site of the slits in the distal peritoneal catheter. CASE REPORT A 30-year-old woman with type I Chiari malformation, prior suboccipital craniectomy, and shunted hydrocephalus with prior revisions presented with 2 months of progressive, low-pressure headaches. Shunt series X-rays demonstrated kinking of the distal peritoneal catheter. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed interval enlargement of her ventricles concerning for shunt failure, which prompted return to the operating room. During shunt revision, her valve was nonfunctioning with loss of resistance and her distal catheter was kinked at the most proximal peritoneal slit. Postoperative shunt series X-rays demonstrated an intact shunt system without kinking or discontinuity and a CT of her head showed interval decease in the caliber of her ventricles. CONCLUSIONS Distal peritoneal catheter kinking at the site of slits is an unusual complication of VP shunts and should be considered. Surgeons should add this possibility to the differential diagnosis of shunt malfunction when an imaging irregularity is identified in the peritoneal catheter.