ABSTRACT
Background: One of the most feared complications of hydrocephalus is shunt migration. Although rare, bowel migration is the most commonly encountered type of migration. The relatively high frequency of this occurrence allowed us to gather a substantial number of reports for study. Objectives: The aim of this study was to better understand this complication and aid in decreasing its incidence. Methods: The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for cases of anal shunt migration. In total, 49 records describing 56 clinical cases were included in this review. Additionally, we present and include the clinical case of a patient managed by our team; therefore, 57 cases were included in this study. Relevant parameters were collected, organized, analyzed, and discussed. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement from 2009. Results: Extrusion through the anus was observed in 82% of cases, 68% of which were in males. The age range varied from 1 month to 75 years. Congenital hydrocephalus was the etiology in 66% of cases. The time interval between shunt insertion and migration varied from 12 days to 19 years. In 70% of patients, the tube was pulled out through the anus, whereas a laparotomy or laparoscopy was used in 14% of cases. Infectious complications were noted in 35% of patients. The overall outcome was mostly favorable; two patients died as a complication of the migration. Conclusions: Bowel and anal shunt migration is a relatively rare complication occurring predominantly within the initial weeks after the initial surgery. This condition leads to infectious complications, which can potentially be life-threatening. Urgent management is required, and in most cases, the removal of the shunt through the anus is sufficient. Early intervention generally results in favorable outcomes.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The central nervous system is an unusual location of sarcoidosis, which commonly affects the cranial nerves, meninges, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. Involvement of the pineal region is extremely rare. This systematic review focused on the diagnosis and management of pineal region sarcoidosis, dorsal mesencephalon, and periaqueductal region. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to discuss diagnostic modalities and best management tools of the aforementioned pathology. METHODS: ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched for English or French articles about sarcoidosis of the pineal region, dorsal mesencephalon, and periaqueductal region. The clinical case of a patient managed at our department that we believe is directly relevant to this review is also presented. Patients' demographics, clinical presentations, presence of hydrocephalus, other sarcoidosis locations in the central nervous system, and medical treatment were collected. Surgical management, surgical approach, and outcomes and complications of each procedure were also obtained. This study was conducted in agreement with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS: Fifteen cases were examined. The study sample consisted of nine (60%) male and six (40%) female, and the mean age was 32 years. Eight (53%) patients had hydrocephalus, and the predominant clinical presentations were signs of increasing intracranial pressure (headaches, vomiting, and papilledema). Six (40%) patients had diplopia, and convergence-retraction nystagmus was noted in three (20%) patients. Argyll Robertson sign was present in one patient and suspected in another patient (13%). Medical treatment consisted mainly of steroids (93% of cases). Open surgery on the pineal region was performed in five patients, and four of them reported to have serious complications (such as ophthalmoplegia, hemianopsia, hemiparesis, bilateral third cranial nerve paresis, and cerebellar syndrome). Endoscopic management was performed in two patients without complications. CONCLUSION: To treat hydrocephalus, brain imaging is mandatory in patients with sarcoidosis if intracranial hypertension is suspected. In pineal region sarcoidosis, management of hydrocephalus is the priority, followed by medical treatment of the lesion. Open surgery of any approach presents a high risk of complications; thus, an endoscopic approach is the preferred management, as it treats hydrocephalus and makes biopsy possible with minimal risk.
