Intraparenchymal Pericatheter Cyst as a Complication of a Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt in a Premature Infant

A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is a standard surgical management for hydrocephalus, but complications may impede the management of this disease. Obstruction of the catheter is one of the most common complications and manifests clinically in various ways. Intraparenchymal cyst development after shunt malfunction has been reported by several authors, but the underlying mechanism and optimal treatment methods are debatable. The authors report a case of intraparenchymal cyst formation around a proximal catheter in a premature infant after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and discuss its pathogenesis and management.

Ependymal Cysts

The authors report four cases of ependymal cysts. Among the benign cystic lesions of neuroepithelial origin, ependymal cysts have been reportedly located in the cerebral parenchyme. This usually become symptomatic after 40 years of age, although it is generally thought to be congenital in origin. Symptomatic cases have been treated effectively with resection of the cyst or shunting procedures. Stereotactic removal of the cyst was also a good alternative as management in the authors' cases. Differential diagnosis is mandatory with other benign intraparenchymal cystic diseases.