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Hydrothorax from intrathoracic migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter
Background:
The intrathoracic complications of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt are very rare. We report an unusual case of VP shunt complication with intrathoracic migration, associated with pleural effusion in a 55-year-old man.
Methods:
We reviewed the seven cases reported in the literature and the mechanism of shunt-tip migration and preventive measures are presented.
Results:
The patient was successfully managed with revision. The catheter was retrieved and replaced in the peritoneal cavity.
Conclusions:
With VP shunting, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of peritoneal shunt-tip migration into the chest. To prevent this kind of complication, we stressed precise location of a subcutaneous tunneling device above the ribs during subcutaneous passage.