Asymptomatic Fracture of a Distal Shunt Catheter after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Post-traumatic Hydrocephalus

ABSTRACT

A fracture of a distal shunt catheter is a rare complication. In many cases of shunt failure, shunt revision should be performed to prevent the development of hydrocephalus. However, the question of whether to operate on asymptomatic patients remains to be answered. Our patient received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to post-traumatic hydrocephalus, and his symptoms improved. Abdominal x-ray revealed a fracture of the distal shunt catheter at the 5- year follow-up. However, the patient was asymptomatic. In this case, the patient improved without shunt revision during the year after the fracture of the distal shunt catheter.