[Shunt-induced craniosynostosis: topicality of the problem, choice of the approach, and features of surgical treatment]

RATIONALE

Shunt-induced craniosynostosis is one of the late complications of CSF shunting surgery, which affects the patient's condition, clinical picture, and treatment approach.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the prevalence rate and clinical significance of this disease, define the indications for surgery, and choose the optimal surgical approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 59 children with shunt system dysfunction, aged 1 to 14 years, who were treated at the Department in the period from 2014 to 2016. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) age at the time of examination is older than 1 year; 2) implantation of a shunt system in the first 12 months of life. The state of cranial sutures was assessed using three-dimensional reconstruction of patient's computerized tomography images. Images obtained before or in the first months after primary implantation of a shunt system were used to exclude cases of primary craniosynostosis.

RESULTS

Premature synostosis of the cranial sutures was detected in 27 (46%) cases. Of these, 3 (11%) patients with clinical symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and radiographic signs of craniocerebral disproportion underwent cranial vault remodeling surgery: two biparietal craniotomies and one fronto-parieto-occipital reconstruction. In two cases, simultaneous replacement of a valve with a programmable one was performed. There were no complications after reconstructive surgery.

CONCLUSION

Shunt-associated craniosynostosis is one of the late complications of CSF shunting surgery. However, its presence is not an indication for surgery and should not be a reason for surgical aggression. Surgery for increasing the intracranial volume is indicated only for secondary craniosynostosis combined with signs of craniocerebral disproportion. In these cases, reconstructive surgery is an effective treatment option for improving the patient's condition.

Nuclear Medicine to Evaluate Complications of Cerebral Shunts: Two Cases and Review of Literature

We present two cases of cerebral shunts - a ventriculopleural shunt and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, with their associated complications. We also hope to provide a comprehensive literature review on various imaging modalities, including nuclear medicine studies in evaluating cerebral shunt complications.

Referred Shoulder Pain Due to the Positioning of the Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: A Case Report and Literature Review of an Unusual Complication

We present the case of an 18-year-old male with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt for hydrocephalus who experienced right shoulder pain. The patient was thoroughly investigated for gastrointestinal disease, including abdominal ultrasound and upper endoscopy, which revealed no abnormalities that could explain his symptoms. X-ray imaging subsequently revealed that the shunt's distal peritoneal tubing was positioned in a supra-hepatic subdiaphragmatic location. Surgical shortening and repositioning of the peritoneal tubing successfully alleviated the patient's shoulder pain. A review of the literature uncovered four articles, comprising a total of six patients, who exhibited similar symptoms of shoulder pain linked to their VP shunts. Given the rarity of this complication, it can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is crucial for physicians to consider this possibility when evaluating patients with VP shunts who present with shoulder pain to ensure prompt and effective treatment.

Upward Migration and Coiling of the Distal Catheter Toward the Valve Site

Hydrocephalus, which is caused by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is a common condition in children. It is known to be most likely treated by the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. However, a VP shunt can lead to multiple complications. The upward migration of a VP shunt is considered rare.

A newborn male baby with a known case of Chiari malformation type 2 associated with myelomeningocele (MMC) and hydrocephalus had a VP shunt inserted for control of the hydrocephalus. He presented two months after the surgery with occipital swelling at the surgical site. Shunt series followed by Computerized tomography (CT) scan showed that the distal end of the catheter had migrated upward and coiled around the valve. Urgent revision of the VP shunt was performed.

Reabsorption of subgaleal fluid, increased abdominal pressure, repeated abdominal wall contraction, and repeated head motion of the child are the previously suggested theories of upward migration of distal catheter to the site of the valve. However, the combination of multiple theories can be the logical explanation, as they do not oppose each other.

A Rare Case of Extraction of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt From the Left Main Bronchus

We present the case of a 40-year-old female who underwent several insertions of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts as a part of the treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Several years after the insertion of the last VP shunt, the patient started experiencing shortness of breath (SOB) and cough; after further assessment, it was noted on computed tomography (CT) scan that the VP shunt had migrated into the right lower lobe of the lung and perforated the distal left main bronchus. The shunt was successfully retrieved using bronchoscopy under general anesthesia, after which the patient had a complete resolution of symptoms. Shunt migration is one of the rare complications that can happen years after shunt insertion. Therefore, we present this rare case of shunt migration into the thorax cavity to highlight the presentation of this complication and its successful management.

An Atypical Presentation of Pancreatitis Secondary to a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are catheters inserted to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) when there is an obstruction in the normal outflow or a decreased absorption of the fluid leading to hydrocephalus. Recognised complications of placement of the distal catheter are malposition, obstruction, pseudocysts and infection. Here, we present a case of a 23-year-old female with acute pancreatitis following the placement of a VP shunt in the lesser sac. The patient originally had a VP shunt placed in infancy for congenital hydrocephalus with one revision at four years old. She presented with a three-day history of worsening epigastric pain with an associated lipase of 3030 (10-60IU), CRP 157 (<5mg/L) and normal liver function tests. A CT scan showed acute pancreatitis with an associated collection within the lesser sac extending to the greater omentum. This was due to the malposition of the VP shunt after a recent revision surgery. It was managed with a diagnostic laparoscopy, washout and shunt externalisation. This is an atypical presentation of acute pancreatitis secondary to a VP shunt. A high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis. Management of both pancreatitis and VP shunt complications need to be considered.