Migration of the peritoneal catheter of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the scrotum

Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a well-established modality in the management of hydrocephalus. However, it can be associated with numerous complications and disastrous consequences. 1-4 The reported incidence of intra-abdominal complications in infants and children following VP shunt procedures in the literature is about 24% 5,6 and most of these patients present with abdominal signs and/ or intracranial sepsis. 6 In this article we report such a case and review the relevant literature.Ventricular shunt is a well-established modality in the management of hydrocephalus. However, it can be associated with numerous complications and disastrous consequences. The reported incidence of intra-abdominal complications in infants and children after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt procedures is about 24% and most of these patients present with abdominal signs and/or intracranial sepsis. In this article we report on a 2-year-old boy who presented with swelling in the right inguino-scrotal region. Imaging showed migration of the peritoneal catheter into the right scrotum.S Afr J CH 2012;6(3):93-94.

Remarkable Imaging Findings of a Migrated Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Report of a Case

“…The greater possibility of a patent processus vaginalis in infants under the age of one year (3) and the smaller size of peritoneal cavity in infancy can be a predisposing factor for VP shunt migration to processus vaginalis (4,5). Our patient was 18 months old during the catheter migration but had been shunted for the last 16 months of his life and the last VP shunt revision procedure due to dysfunction was performed 50 days before.…”

Migration of a fractured ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the scrotum: a rare complication

“…VP shunt fracture and migration into the scrotum is a very rare phenomenon 1. This complication tends to occur in younger children because of the higher incidence of an unobliterated processus vaginalis and smaller volume of the peritoneal cavity 1.…”

“…This complication tends to occur in younger children because of the higher incidence of an unobliterated processus vaginalis and smaller volume of the peritoneal cavity 1. In addition, CSF production exceeding the rate of peritoneal absorption leads to an increase in intra-abdominal fluid volume and pressure in children with a VP shunt, preventing obliteration of the processus vaginalis 2…”

Scrotal migration of two ventriculoperitoneal shunts presenting as hydrocele

“…[ 4 5 ] Migration of the shunt into the scrotum tends to occur in younger children due to higher incidence of an unobliterated processus vaginalis and smaller volume of the peritoneal cavity in these patients. [ 6 ] The processus vaginalis normally remains patent in 50%–60% of infants at age 1 year. [ 2 ] Development of scrotal swelling or hydrocele in a pediatric patient with a VP shunt should raise the possibility of a shunt complication.…”

“…[ 2 ] Development of scrotal swelling or hydrocele in a pediatric patient with a VP shunt should raise the possibility of a shunt complication. [ 6 ]…”