Ventriculoperitoneal shunt migration into rectus femoris muscle

Publication date: Available online 12 July 2018Source: Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case ReportsAuthor(s): Michelle Lyman, Kristina Langenborg, Bret Kricun, Daniel RellesAbstractShunt migration is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts in the treatment of hydrocephalus. This case highlights the migration of a VP shunt through the abdominal wall into the rectus femoris muscle of a 4-year-old girl. The malpositioned shunt was initially visualized in the thigh on an x-ray shunt series for an enteritis work up. It was subsequently visualized on CT scan during an evaluation for appendicitis. Seven months following the initial visualization and 2 months following an appendectomy, the patient presented with symptoms of swelling and pain in the anterior thigh, which prompted laparoscopic repositioning of the shunt. The patient recovered and did not experience additional symptoms of hydrocephalus or shunt migration. The case presented in this article highlights the roles of imaging and laparoscopic surgery in diagnosing shut migration.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports - Category: Surgery Source Type: research