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Abscess of the falciform ligament in a child with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|November 1, 1986
Insights
A rare falciform ligament abscess can arise from an infected ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Epigastric tenderness in patients with shunt infections may indicate this localized abscess, diagnosable via imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Infectious diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are commonly used to treat hydrocephalus.
- Infections associated with these shunts can lead to serious complications.
- The falciform ligament is a peritoneal fold not typically associated with shunt infections.
Observation:
- A case of falciform ligament abscess secondary to an infected ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection is presented.
- The patient exhibited epigastric tenderness as a primary symptom.
- Classic signs of peritonitis were absent due to the localized nature of the abscess.
Findings:
- Falciform ligament abscess is a previously undescribed complication of infected ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
- Epigastric tenderness can be a key indicator of this specific abscess.
- Ultrasound and CT scans are effective diagnostic tools for identifying the abscess.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider falciform ligament abscess in the differential diagnosis of epigastric pain in patients with infected shunts.
- Early diagnosis through imaging can prevent potential complications.
- This finding expands the spectrum of known complications related to ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections.
Abstract:
Falciform ligament abscess resulting from an infected ventriculoperitoneal shunt has not previously been described. This unusual type of abscess should be considered in a patient with an infected ventriculoperitoneal shunt who presents with epigastric tenderness. Signs of peritonitis may not be present if the abscess is localized. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan may frequently establish the diagnosis.