Peritoneal metastasis of a cerebellar medulloblastoma through a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A case report.

Medulloblastoma is a frequent and aggressive pediatric tumor. It causes intracranial hypertension, necessitating ventriculoperitoneal shunting with surgical resection. Intraperitoneal metastases are rare and result from the migration of neoplastic cells through the shunt and into the peritoneal cavity. This metastatic form involving the ventriculoperitoneal shunt has a poor prognosis, making therapeutic management even more difficult. We report the case of a 14-year-old boy with a history of medulloblastoma of the cerebellum who was initially treated with complete resection of the tumor with placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with good progression until he presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal symptoms. Imaging revealed multiple peritoneal masses with intra- and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies. An ultrasound-guided biopsy revealed a metastatic medulloblastoma in the peritoneal cavity, and the patient underwent chemotherapy. The placement of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt in the tumor dissemination is therefore to blame.

Unveiling the domino effect: a nine-year follow-up on pentalogy of central nervous system induced by a large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation: a case report and literature review.

Background: The disruption of intracranial fluid dynamics due to large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) commonly triggers a domino effect within the central nervous system. This phenomenon is frequently overlooked in prior clinic and may lead to catastrophic misdiagnoses. Our team has documented the world's first case of so-called AVM Pentalogy (AVMP) induced by a AVM. Clinical presentation and result: A 30-year-old female was first seen 9 years ago with an occasional fainting, at which time a huge unruptured AVM was discovered. Subsequently, due to progressive symptoms, she sought consultations from several prestigious neurosurgical departments in China, where all consulting neurosurgeons opted for conservation treatment due to perceived surgical risks. During the follow-up period, the patient gradually presented with hydrocephalus, empty sella, secondary Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and scoliosis (we called as AVMP). When treated in our department, she already displayed numerous symptoms, including severe intracranial hypertension. Our team deduced that the hydrocephalus was the primary driver of her AVMP symptoms, representing the most favorable risk profile for intervention. As expected, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt successfully mitigated all symptoms of AVMP at 21-months post-surgical review. Conclusion: During the monitoring of unruptured AVM, it is crucial to remain vigilant for the development or progression of AVMP. When any component of AVMP is identified, thorough etiological studies and analysis of cascade reactions are imperative to avert misdiagnosis. When direct AVM intervention is not viable, strategically addressing hydrocephalus as part of the AVMP may serve as the critical therapeutic focus.

Sterile Cerebrospinal Fluid Ascites With High Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient Treated With Acetazolamide.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ascites is a rare cause of ascites that presents in patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts, treated by conversion to a ventriculoatrial shunt. Our case describes a patient presenting with CSF ascites almost 40 years after VP shunt placement, with fluid analysis showing elevated serum ascites albumin gradient, and response to acetazolamide therapy. As shown in this case, CSF ascites can present with elevated serum ascites albumin gradient and should be kept a differential diagnosis. Acetazolamide can be considered as a potential alternative treatment in patients who are not candidates for a VP to ventriculoatrial shunt conversion.

Comparing the Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes of Lumbo-Peritoneal, Ventriculo-Peritoneal, or Non-Shunting Treatment after Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: With advances in medical technology, the average lifespan has increased, leading to a growing significance of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), particularly in the elderly population. Most patients with iNPH have been treated either with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (VPS) or conservative measures. However, lumbo-peritoneal shunts (LPS) have emerged as an alternative treatment option for iNPH in recent decades, extensive research still lacks comparing outcomes with LPS to those with VPS or non-surgical treatment. The aim of the resent study is to disclose the long-term therapeutic outcomes of LPS, VPS, and non-shunting in patients with iNPH. Methods: We used the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan to assess the long-term outcomes of these treatment options. We enrolled 5,537 iNPH patients who received shunting surgery, of which 5,254 were VPS and 283 were LPS. To compare the difference between each group, matching was conducted by propensity score matching using a 1:1 ratio based on LPS patients. Primary outcomes included death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) Results: Our findings show that VPS resulted in significantly more MACEs than non-surgical treatment (Odds ratio: 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-2.90). In addition, both VPS and LPS groups had significantly lower overall mortality rates than non-shunting group. Moreover, LPS had lower overall mortality but similar MACEs rates to VPS. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we propose that the LPS is preferable to the VPS, and surgical treatment should be considered the primary choice over conservative treatment unless contraindications are present.

Transcallosal approach and post-operative subdural collections: 12-year paediatric neurosurgery tertiary centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Following transcallosal surgery for tumour resection, the formation of convexity or interhemispheric subdural cerebrospinal fluid collections may lead to clinical deterioration and may influence decision-making with regards to additional interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and management of subdural collections following the transcallosal approach in a paediatric cohort. METHODS: A retrospective case note and radiological review of all children who underwent transcallosal surgery for intraventricular and thalamic tumours was carried out covering a 12-year period (2012-2023) in a single-centre tertiary paediatric neurosurgery unit. Parameters including demographics and clinical information including lesion location, pathology, extent of resection, need for and type of shunt required, as well as depth, laterality, and location of the collection were analysed prior to shunting, and at approximately 3 weeks, 3 months, and latest follow-up available post-operatively in order to further elucidate the natural history of these subdural collections and their clinical significance. RESULTS: Sixty-four cases satisfied the inclusion criteria of transcallosal surgery for tumour resection; 13 did not have adequate post-operative imaging and were excluded. Of the remaining 51 cases, there were 32 children (63%) with post-operative CSF subdural collections, of which 59% were ipsilateral, with the remainder showing bilateral distribution. The overall shunt insertion rate was 25.5% (12 ventriculoperitoneal and 1 subdural-peritoneal shunt) at 3 months, with a mean time to shunting of 19 days post-operatively. Children who developed post-operative subdural collections had a higher rate of shunting, at 37.5%, compared to 5.2% in those who did not. Pre- and post-operative hydrocephalus and subtotal resection were identified as risk factors for development of subdural collections post-operatively. Subdural collections showed a natural course of reduction and regression over follow-up, with the exception of 3 children where they persisted or increased over time; although none of these required shunting. Those children who underwent shunt insertion showed greater regression in the size of the subdural collection over time compared to the non-shunted group. CONCLUSION: In this paediatric cohort, 25.5 % of children required insertion of a shunt by 3 months following transcallosal surgery. Pre- and post-operative hydrocephalus and subtotal tumour resection were risk factors for development of subdural collections post-operatively.

Prediction of shunt response in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus by combined lumbar infusion test and preoperative imaging scoring.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a potentially treatable disorder, but prognostic tests or biomarkers are lacking. The aim was to study the predictive power of clinical, neuroimaging and lumbar infusion test parameters (resistance to outflow Rout , cardiac-related pulse amplitude PA and the PA to intracranial pressure ICP ratio). METHODS: In all, 127 patients diagnosed with iNPH who had a lumbar infusion test, a subsequent ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation and at least 2 months of postoperative follow-up were retrospectively included. Preoperative magnetic resonance images were visually scored for NPH features using the iNPH Radscale. Preoperative and postoperative assessment was performed using cognitive testing, as well as gait and incontinence scales. RESULTS: At follow-up (7.4 months, range 2-20 months), an overall positive response was seen in 82% of the patients. Gait was more severely impaired at baseline in responders compared to non-responders. The iNPH Radscale score was borderline significantly higher in responders compared with non-responders, whereas no significant differences in infusion test parameters were seen between responders and non-responders. Infusion test parameters performed modestly with high positive (75%-92%) but low negative (17%-23%) predictive values. Although not significant, PA and PA/ICP seemed to perform better than Rout , and the odds ratio for shunt response seemed to increase in patients with higher PA/ICP, especially in patients with lower iNPH Radscale scores. CONCLUSION: Although only indicative, lumbar infusion test results increased the likelihood of a positive shunt outcome. Pulse amplitude measures showed promising results that should be further explored in prospective studies.

Case report: Levodopa-responsive parkinsonism with akinetic mutism after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

Background: Parkinsonism and akinetic mutism (AM) following ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) without underdrainage used to be considered rare, but may be underdiagnosed in daily clinical practice. Although the pathophysiology is still unclear, in several case reports, the parkinsonism and AM after VPS shows responsiveness to dopaminergic treatment. Case presentation: We report a 19-year-old male that presented with severe parkinsonism and AM after VPS. Meanwhile, 18F-FDG-PET showed a cortical and subcortical hypometabolism. Fortunately, levodopa dramatically improved patient's symptoms and brain hypometabolism. This report provides support for the possibility that dopamine deficiency inhibits brain metabolism, and further elucidates the pathogenesis of parkinsonism and AM. Conclusion: This report highlights the presentation of a treatable parkinsonism and points out that Levodopa and/or dopamine agonist should be the first choice if the patients develop parkinson-like symptoms after VPS.

Scrotal migration of peritoneal end of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in an infant - A rare entity.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt migration into the scrotum is a rare phenomenon that has been reported in nearly 35 patients in the literature till date. Genitalia-related complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in children like inguinoscrotal migration usually occur during 1st year of the shunt procedure due to factors like raised abdominal pressure and patency of process vaginalis. We report a case of scrotal migration of tip of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a 2-month-old infant presenting to us with communicating hydrocephalus. In a patient with inguinoscrotal swelling and ventriculoperitoneal shunt, migration of shunt should be suspected. Prompt diagnosis and management of this condition is important due to various complications like shunt dysfunction and testicular lesions. Treatment of this condition is surgical closure of the patent processes vaginalis and shunt reposition.

Gait pattern analysis in the home environment as a key factor for the reliable assessment of shunt responsiveness in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Background: The identification of patients with gait disturbance associated with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is challenging. This is due to the multifactorial causes of gait disturbance in elderly people and the single moment examination of laboratory tests. Objective: We aimed to assess whether the use of gait sensors in a patient's home environment could help establish a reliable diagnostic tool to identify patients with iNPH by differentiating them from elderly healthy controls (EHC). Methods: Five wearable inertial measurement units were used in 11 patients with iNPH and 20 matched EHCs. Data were collected in the home environment for 72 h. Fifteen spatio-temporal gait parameters were analyzed. Patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively. We performed an iNPH sub-group analysis to assess differences between responders vs. non-responders. We aimed to identify parameters that are able to predict a reliable response to VP-shunt placement. Results: Nine gait parameters significantly differ between EHC and patients with iNPH preoperatively. Postoperatively, patients with iNPH showed an improvement in the swing phase (p = 0.042), and compared to the EHC group, there was no significant difference regarding the cadence and traveled arm distance. Patients with a good VP-shunt response (NPH recovery rate of ≥5) significantly differ from the non-responders regarding cycle time, cycle time deviation, number of steps, gait velocity, straight length, stance phase, and stance to swing ratio. A receiver operating characteristic analysis showed good sensitivity for a preoperative stride length of ≥0.44 m and gait velocity of ≥0.39 m/s. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in 60% of the analyzed gait parameters between EHC and patients with iNPH, with a clear improvement toward the normalization of the cadence and traveled arm distance postoperatively, and a clear improvement of the swing phase. Patients with iNPH with a good response to VP-shunt significantly differ from the non-responders with an ameliorated gait pattern.

The survival time of the ventriculo-peritoneal-shunt in children with hydrocephalus is dependent on the type of valve implanted.

PURPOSE: Despite constantly improving developments in ventriculo-peritoneal shunt systems, most patients with hydrocephalus require revision or replacement at some point of time. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse parameters that are associated with shunt dysfunction. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included 81 patients aged 0-17 who were treated at our institution. Demographic data, etiology of the hydrocephalus, type of valve implanted, reason for any revision procedures, any complications and survival time of the ventriculo-peritoneal shunts were detected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Over a mean study period of 18 years, we analyzed 226 valves subjected to 146 revision operations in 81 patients. The etiology of the hydrocephalus (p = 0.874) and the age of the child at the time of VP shunt implantation (p = 0.308) did not have any impact on the shunt survival time. However, the type of the valve significantly changed the survival time of the shunt (p = 0.030). Pressure differential valves presented a longer survival time than gravitational valves. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients in this study needed at least one replacement of the initial shunt system. Pressure differential valves may be beneficial for the survival time of the shunt system.

Abrupt foramen magnum syndrome due to shunt malfunction in a previously asymptomatic chiari I malformation: the hidden predictable risk in long-lasting shunted patients.

Cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage in long-lasting shunted hydrocephalus is a well recognized complication. It may lead to different clinical syndromes which may occur over time, namely cranioencephalic disproportion and hindbrain herniation. Among the latter, Chiari malformation type 1 classically refers to one of the mildest form. When symptomatic, the patients generally exhibit a chronic, slowly progressive disease course. Although well documented in Chiari type II malformation and hydrocephalus, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt malfunction causing acute neurological deterioration in acquired Chiari malformation type 1 has been described only in three cases. All these patients underwent urgent shunt revision and suboccipital decompression in two of them, achieving good clinical improvement. We report on a 20-year-old woman harboring a previously asymptomatic Chiari malformation type 1, who experienced an acute foramen magnum syndrome with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt malfunction. We performed an endoscopic third-ventriculo-cisternostomy and definite removal of the shunt, obtaining the complete resolution of symptoms and shunt independence at 2 years follow-up. The phisiopathogenetic mechanisms and surgical management are discussed.

Silicone allergy mimicking shunt infection.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to highlight silicone allergy as a rare cause of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt complication, often mimicking infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information regarding the patient presented was obtained by review of their medical notes, both paper and electronically. A literature review was performed by searching Pubmed using the following terms; silicone allergy and shunt allergy, to identify similar publications. RESULTS: Nine publications between 1994 and 2019 formed the basis of the literature review. The primary aim was to identify clinical presentations that may help to identify silicone allergy as the cause of shunt complication. CONCLUSION: Silicone allergy is a rare cause of ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunt failure and can mimic infection. This diagnosis should be consideredwith a predominantly lymphocytic CSF leucocytosis and no bacteriological evidence of a responsible organism, a peripheral eosinophilia and an intense fibrosis around a recently placed V-P shunt, as described in this case report.

Acquired Chiari type I malformation: a late and misunderstood supratentorial over-drainage complication.

PURPOSE: Acquired Chiari I malformation is an uncommon but possible late complication of supratentorial shunting in children. This condition can be caused by an abnormal thickening of the cranial vault and consequent reduction of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) volume especially in children with already a small PCF volume. The management of Acquired Chiari I malformation is very challenging, and several options have been proposed for this condition. These are aimed to expand the PCF volume both through decompression and PCF remodeling in order to relieve symptoms of acquired Chiari I malformation. A cranial vault remodeling or a standard Chiari decompression is two proposed techniques aimed to expand the PCF volume thus relieving symptoms . METHODS: We describe the case of a 16-year-old girl undergone surgical removal of sellar-suprasellar glioneuronal tumor and ventriculo-peritoneal shunting, who developed an acquired symptomatic Chiari type I malformation some years after ventricular-peritoneal shunting. For this condition, she underwent successful standard Chiari decompression with C0-C1 craniectomy and duroplasty. RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed MRI and CT scan performed during follow-up, in order to evaluate the volume of the posterior cranial fossa and to measure the variation of skull thickness at different periods. MRI and CT scan analysis showed a progressive thickening of the calvaria, in particular of the occipital bone, leading to a progressive reduction of PCF volume with the establishment of acquired Chiari type I malformation. In this case, standard C0-C1 Chiari decompression was effective in restoring PCF volume and relieving symptoms. CONCLUSION: Acquired Chiari I malformation due to chronic overhunting could be a severe and late complication in patient undergone supratentorial shunting. These patients require careful clinical and radiological follow-up to avoid over-drainage. According to our analysis, a careful selection of pediatric patients for supratentorial shunting should be made according to pre-operative PCF volume in order to foresee higher odds of possible late complications from over-drainage.

The positive impact of cisternostomy with cisternal drainage on delayed hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus is one of the major complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). In the acute setting, an external ventricular drain (EVD) is used for early management. A cisternal drain (CD) coupled with the micro-surgical opening of basal cisterns can be an alternative when the aneurysm is clipped. Chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH is managed with ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt, a procedure associated with a wide range of complications. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of micro-surgical opening of basal cisterns coupled with CD on the incidence of VP shunt, compared to patients treated with EVD. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 89 consecutive cases of patients with aSAH treated surgically and endovascularly with either EVD or CD between January 2009 and September 2021. Patients were stratified into two groups: Group 1 included patients with EVD, Group 2 included patients with CD. Subgroup analysis with only patients treated surgically was also performed. We compared their baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes and shunting rates. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of epidemiological characteristics, WFNS score, Fisher scale, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), acute hydrocephalus, postoperative meningitis or of clinical outcomes at last follow-up. Cisternostomy with CD (Group 2) was associated with a statistically significant reduction in VP-shunt compared with the use of an EVD (Group 1) (9.09% vs 53.78%; p < 0.001). This finding was confirmed in our subgroup analysis, as among patients with a surgical clipping, the rate of VP shunt was 43.7% for the EVD group and 9.5% for the CD group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Cisternostomy with CD may reduce the rate of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Cisternostomy allows the removal of subarachnoid blood, thereby reducing arachnoid inflammation and fibrosis. CD may enhance this effect, thus resulting in lower rates of chronic hydrocephalus.

Endoscopic ultrasonic aspiration of posterior fossa abscess in Dandy-Walker malformation: case report.

BACKGROUND: Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) is a posterior fossa malformation characterized by a huge posterior fossa cyst in communication with the fourth ventricle. Hydrocephalus is associated with more than 80% of cases and is usually treated by shunting. Despite infection being a common complication of the shunt, abscess formation within the cyst was reported only once. CASE REPORT: A neonate affected by DWM developed a posterior fossa abscess following a shunt infection. The purulent collection was refractory to standard treatment (antibiotics and burr hole drainage); therefore, an endoscopic approach was performed in order to remove the purulent collection under direct vision. This material was aspirated with the help of an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator. The outcome was favorable, with a resolution of infection and re-implantation of the ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Surprisingly, post-operative radiological examination showed substantial modification of the anatomy of the posterior fossa with disappearing of the Dandy-Walker cyst. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented report of a true Dandy-Walker malformation that modified its anatomical appearance over time. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Endoscopic aspiration of intracranial purulent collection should be considered a valid option to manage complicated cases. An endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator may make the procedure more effective and faster.

Enterococcus gallinarum group meningitis after transanal migration of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a pediatric case report.

In the literature, only 11 Enterococcus gallinarum group meningitis has been reported so far. The Enterococcus gallinarum group was shown for the first time in a pediatric patient presenting with meningitis after bowel perforation, a complication of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A 30-month-old male patient presented with vomiting and fever, with the ventriculoperitoneal shunt distal catheter protruding from the anal orifice. The patient was diagnosed with intestinal perforation and meningitis. Enterococcus gallinarum group bacterial yield in cerebrospinal fluid culture. A total of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotic treatment was given in the hospital. After the treatment, the patient was re-ventriculoperitoneal shunt and was discharged. Among the shunt complications, meningitis with intestinal perforation is rare. It should be kept in mind that meningitis in such patients may be caused by very rare microbiological factors such as Enterococcus gallinarum group. Antibiotherapy should be given according to the culture result. Then planning should be made for a permanent shunt.

Maneuver protocol for outpatient telemetric intracranial pressure monitoring in hydrocephalus patients.

INTRODUCTION: Telemetric intracranial pressure measurement (tICPM) offers new opportunities to acquire objective information in shunted and non-shunted patients. The sensor reservoir (SR) provides tICPM modality at a decent sampling rate as an integrated component of the CSF shunt system. The aim of this study is to perform tICPM during a defined protocol of maneuvers in an outpatient setting as feasibility study including either shunt-dependent patients or candidates for possible shunt therapy. METHODS: A total of 17 patients received a SR and were investigated within a protocol of maneuver measurements involving different body postures (90°, 10°, 0°, and - 10°), breathing patterns (hypo- and hyperventilation), and mild venous congestion (Valsalva, Jugular vein compression), while the latter two were performed in lying postures (10° and 0°). The cohort included 11 shunted and 6 non-shunted (stand-alone-SR) patients. All measurements were evaluated using an ICP-analysis software (ICPicture, Miethke, Germany) looking at ICP changes and amplitude (AMP) characteristics. RESULTS: The shunted patient group consisted of 11 patients (median age: 15.8 years; range: 4-35.2 years) with either a primary shunt (n=9) and 2 patients received a shunt after stand-alone-SR tICPM. Six patients were enrolled with a stand-alone SR (median age 11.9 years, range 3.6-17.7 years). In the stand-alone SR group, maneuver related ICP and AMP changes were more sensitive compared to shunted patients. Postural maneuvers caused significant ICP changes in all body positions in both groups. The highest ICP values were seen during Valsalva maneuver, provoked by the patients themselves. In the stand-alone group, significant higher ICP values during hyperventilation were observed compared to shunted individuals. In shunted patients, a significant correlation between ICP and AMP was observed only during hyperventilation maneuver, while this correlation was additionally seen in Valsalva and jugular vein compression in stand-alone patients. CONCLUSION: SR-related tICPM is helpful to objectify diagnostic evaluation in patients with CSF dynamic disturbances. The defined protocol did result in a wide range of ICP changes with promising potential for effective outpatient tICPM investigation. Since the correlation of ICP and AMP was observed during mild venous congestion maneuvers it appears to be specifically helpful for the evaluation of intracranial compliance. Further investigations of maneuver-related tICPM in a larger population, including variable pathologies, are needed to further establish the protocol in the clinical practice.

Neonatal hydrocephalus: single-center 10-year experiences / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the past 10 years' experiences of neonatal hydrocephalus in a single-center.Methods:From January 2010 to December 2019, clinical data of infants with hydrocephalus admitted to Neonatology Department of our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The infants were assigned into different groups according to gestational age, different etiologies and treatments. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared.Results:A total of 223 infants with hydrocephalus were included. 136 (61.0%) infants were in the preterm group and 87 (39.0%) in the full-term group. The incidence of post-intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) hydrocephalus in preterm infants was significantly higher than full-term infants ( P<0.001). According to the etiologies, 58 infants (26.0%) had congenital hydrocephalus (congenital group), 82 cases (36.8%) developed post-ICH hydrocephalus (ICH group), 48 cases (21.5%) had post-CNS-infection hydrocephalus (infection group) and 35 cases (15.7%) had post-ICH+CNS-infection hydrocephalus (ICH+infection group). The incidences of perinatal asphyxia, neonatal resuscitation and endotracheal intubation within 3 d after birth in the ICH group were significantly higher than the other groups ( P<0.05). Among the four groups, the infection group had the highest incidence of neonatal sepsis, the congenital group had the highest incidence of patent ductus arteriosus and the ICH group had the highest incidence of respiratory diseases (all P<0.05).137 cases (61.4%) received non-surgical therapy, 48 cases (21.5%) had temporary drainage, 37 cases (16.6%) with permanent shunt and 1 case (0.4%) intracranial hematoma removal. The congenital group and ICH group with permanent shunt showed significantly higher rate of improvement than temporary drainage group and non-surgical group ( P<0.001). Conclusions:The main etiologies of neonatal hydrocephalus are ICH and CNS infection. The incidence of post-ICH hydrocephalus in premature infants was quite high. Hydrocephalus of different etiologies have different comorbidities. Maternal and infant care during pregnancy and delivery, prevention of neonatal sepsis and ICH are crucial in the prevention of hydrocephalus. More studies are needed for better treatment.

Transvaginal Migration of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts in Children: Review of Literature.

Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement is the most commonly performed procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The complication of migration of the distal ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is one of the many complications that occur after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. The migration of the ventriculo-peritoneal shunt through the vagina is infrequently reported in children. The aim of this review is to help all the providers caring for children with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts to identify issues early when encountered with this complication and thus limit morbidity and mortality. We reviewed all cases of migration of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt through the vagina in children less than 18 years of age that were published in the literature using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. A total of 11 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review among the 93 articles obtained with title and abstract screening. Previous non-shunt-related abdominal operations and shunt revisions are consistent risk factors in all cases. We did not recognize specific approaches to catheter placement or management that could have prevented this complication. Ventriculitis necessitating shunt removal and therapies requiring additional procedures and prolonged hospitalization are the major consequences identified. Awareness of this unusual complication is very important among health care providers such as emergency care health providers who are likely to be the first to encounter these children on initial presentation.

Percutaneous construction of ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt - Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The commonest method of elective CSF diversion remains ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VP shunt). But in some circumstances, VP shunts fail repeatedly or becomes unattractive to the neurosurgeon and this calls for exploration of alternatives. For the index case, Ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt was favoured and the objective in this report is to share experience gathered there from. Learning points serve to highlight the use of VA shunts as a resort in the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid in the case of repeated failures of peritoneal diversion of CSF and to explain our explain our experience with this index case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54 years old obese woman with previous history of total abdominal hysterectomy was reported. She underwent repeated (three times) revisions of failed peritoneal end of her VP shunt on a background of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a posterior fossa tumour (previously excised). Following repeated failure of peritoneal catheter function, she underwent VA shunt and did well. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The decision to place a VA shunt was made after careful deliberations. We discuss the peculiarities in placing a VA shunt. Following placement of a VA shunt, improvement was noted in her clinical condition at one week post op and has been sustained at multiple follow up clinic visits. CONCLUSION: VA shunts become an option for cerebrospinal fluid drainage when it becomes unequivocally clear in a multidisciplinary setting that the peritoneal catheter is unlikely to work in view of the unfavourable circumstances of the peritoneal cavity.