Migration of a Distal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter Into the Pulmonary Vasculature: a Report of an Unusual Case and a Review of the Literature

J Craniofac Surg. 2019 May/Jun;30(3):e243-e244. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005255.

Abstract

The authors report an unusual case of distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter into the pulmonary vasculature. The migrated catheter was extracted through a thoracotomy and venotomy, with the cooperation of Neuroneurosurgery and Cardiovascular team. This rare complication after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery should be paid enough attention. There were 2 possible mechanisms. To solve the problem, multidisciplinary cooperation should be applied.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheters / adverse effects*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / therapy
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult