Lumboperitoneal shunting in pediatric patients and the role of imaging in its evaluation

Abstract

Lumboperitoneal shunting makes it possible to regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by establishing a connection between the thecal sac and the peritoneal cavity. The main indication for lumboperitoneal shunting in children is idiopathic intracranial hypertension, but the technique is also useful in the treatment of postinfectious, posthemorrhagic, and normotensive hydrocephalus, as well as in the treatment of postsurgical pseudomeningocele or leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. This article reviews nine cases treated at our centre to show the normal imaging findings for lumboperitoneal shunts in children and to provide a succinct review of the possible neurological and abdominal complications associated with this treatment.

Keywords: Benign intracranial hypertension; Cerebrospinal fluid; Derivación de líquido cefalorraquídeo; Derivación ventrículo-peritoneal; Hipertensión intracraneal benigna; Hipertensión intracraneal idiopática; Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Líquido cefalorraquídeo; Shunting of cerebrospinal fluid; Ventriculoperitoneal shunt.