Spontaneous knot; a rare cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt blockage

Br J Neurosurg. 2011 Feb;25(1):113-4. doi: 10.3109/02688697.2010.534829. Epub 2010 Dec 15.

Abstract

A 14-year old X linked congenital hydrocephalus presented with unexplained headaches and vomiting. He had external ventricular drain and intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP). Subsequently, he underwent exploration and removal of previously inserted ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. On retrieval of peritoneal catheters a double knot was noted between his two distal catheters. This case illustrates a rare cause of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects
  • Cerebral Aqueduct / abnormalities
  • Cerebral Aqueduct / surgery
  • Device Removal
  • Equipment Failure
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / surgery
  • Headache / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery
  • Intracranial Pressure
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / instrumentation
  • Vomiting / etiology*

Supplementary concepts

  • Hydrocephalus, X-linked