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Intestinal perforation. An infrequent complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunts

F Azimi, W M Dinn, R A Naumann

    Radiology
    |December 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bowel perforation can occur with cerebrospinal fluid shunts without obvious symptoms. Diagnostic imaging like shuntograms is recommended for unexplained shunt dysfunction in children.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Surgery
    • Neurosurgery
    • Gastroenterology

    Background:

    • Ventriculo-peritoneal shunts are commonly used to treat hydrocephalus in children.
    • Complications can arise, including shunt malfunction and, rarely, bowel perforation.

    Observation:

    • Two pediatric cases of bowel perforation secondary to ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement were identified.
    • Neither patient presented with typical abdominal symptoms suggestive of perforation.

    Findings:

    • Diagnosis was confirmed through contrast medium injection into the distal shunt tubing, revealing opacification of the colon in one child and the small bowel in the other.
    • This imaging technique, termed 'shuntogram,' effectively visualized the shunt's intra-abdominal course and perforation.

    Implications:

    • Shuntograms are a valuable diagnostic tool for investigating unexplained cerebrospinal fluid-peritoneal shunt dysfunction in pediatric patients.
    • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent serious complications associated with shunt-induced bowel perforation.

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