Abstract:Most shunt obstructions happen at the inlet of the ventricular catheter. Three hundred six infusion studies from 2007 to 2011 were classified as having a typical pattern of either proximal occlusion or patency. We describe different patterns of shunt ventricular obstruction.Solid block: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aspiration was impossible. Baseline pressure was without pulse waveform (respiratory waveform may be visible). A quick increase of pressure to a level compatible with the shunt's setting was recorded i… Show more
“…Through one needle Hartmann's fluid is infused and pressure recording is performed through the second needle. In the case of obstruction of the intraventricular catheter, three findings are specific [5]. Firstly, baseline recorded CSF pressure is without any or with very small pulsations synchronised to the heart rate.…”
Assessing shunt function in vivo presents a diagnostic challenge. Infusion studies can be a cost-effective and minimally invasive aid in the assessment of shunt function in vivo. We describe a case of a patient who after a foramen magnum decompression for type I Chiari malformation developed bilateral posterior fossa subdural hygromas and mild hydrocephalus, eventually necessitating insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient returned with symptoms that were concerning for infection of the shunt. A bedside infusion study helped confirm that the ventricular catheter was partially obstructed by in-growing choroid plexus, but also that the shunt was no longer necessary. Partial blockage due to in-growing choroid plexus was confirmed during surgery to remove the shunt. We discuss the behaviour of in-growing choroid plexus and how partial obstruction can be detected with the use of an infusion study, as well as how this compares to the pattern observed in complete shunt obstruction. The benefits of using infusion studies in the assessment of shunt function are also explored.
“…Through one needle Hartmann's fluid is infused and pressure recording is performed through the second needle. In the case of obstruction of the intraventricular catheter, three findings are specific [5]. Firstly, baseline recorded CSF pressure is without any or with very small pulsations synchronised to the heart rate.…”
Assessing shunt function in vivo presents a diagnostic challenge. Infusion studies can be a cost-effective and minimally invasive aid in the assessment of shunt function in vivo. We describe a case of a patient who after a foramen magnum decompression for type I Chiari malformation developed bilateral posterior fossa subdural hygromas and mild hydrocephalus, eventually necessitating insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient returned with symptoms that were concerning for infection of the shunt. A bedside infusion study helped confirm that the ventricular catheter was partially obstructed by in-growing choroid plexus, but also that the shunt was no longer necessary. Partial blockage due to in-growing choroid plexus was confirmed during surgery to remove the shunt. We discuss the behaviour of in-growing choroid plexus and how partial obstruction can be detected with the use of an infusion study, as well as how this compares to the pattern observed in complete shunt obstruction. The benefits of using infusion studies in the assessment of shunt function are also explored.
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