Cerebrospinal Ascites Developed 3 Years after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting in a Hydrocephalic Patient

Michiko YUKINAKA; Masahiro NOMURA; Tomomi MITANI; Yuki KONDO; Tomotsugu TABATA; Yutaka NAKAYA; Susumu ITO

doi:10.2169/internalmedicine.37.638

Michiko YUKINAKA, Masahiro NOMURA, Tomomi MITANI, Yuki KONDO, Tomotsugu TABATA, Yutaka NAKAYA, Susumu ITO

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Keywords: ventriculo-atrial shunt, shunt complications, spina bifida, ventricular drainage

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1998 Volume 37 Issue 7 Pages 638-641

DOI https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.37.638

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Abstract

We report a 23-year-old woman who developed ascites 3 years after Ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Revision of the shunt to ventricular drainage followed by ventriculo-atrial shunting was required for resolution of ascites. In our patient the pathophysiology of this rare shunt complication most likely involved impaired absorption of fluid within the peritoneum associated with multiple shunt reconstructions and tube extensions resulting in chronic inflammation. Cerebrospinal ascites must be suspected irrespective of post-shunt intervals in similar patients.
(Internal Medicine 37: 638-641, 1998)

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