Related Experiment Videos
Computed tomography in the management of complications due to ventricular shunting
Neuroradiology
|February 1, 1981
Insights
A young girl developed left-hand myoclonus years after ventricular drainage. Imaging revealed a thalamic cyst, likely a granulomatous reaction to the shunt.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ventricular drainage is a neurosurgical procedure to manage cerebrospinal fluid imbalances.
- Complications can arise from indwelling devices, necessitating long-term monitoring.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old female patient presented with involuntary, voluntary myoclonus of the left hand.
- This symptom emerged 7.5 years after initial ventricular drainage surgery at age 5.
Findings:
- A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain identified a thalamic cyst.
- The cyst's characteristics suggested a granulomatous reaction, a potential complication of the shunt.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare, delayed complication of ventricular drainage shunts.
- It underscores the importance of considering shunt-related inflammatory responses in patients with new-onset neurological symptoms.
Abstract:
A 13-year-old girl first underwent ventricular drainage at the age of 5. She developed voluntary movement myoclonus of the left hand 7 1/2 years later. A CT scan of the brain 6 months later demonstrated a thalamic cyst consistent with a granulomatous reaction to the shunt.