Small bowel perforation: a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement

J Radiol Case Rep. 2016 Jun 30;10(6):30-35. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v10i6.2721. eCollection 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Small bowel perforation is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. When seen, it most commonly affects the stomach or colon. We describe a case and image findings of an 8-year-old female who presented with sepsis and erosion of the VP shunt into the small bowel. The imaging findings were confirmed surgically. We also provide an overview of the current literature discussing previously reported cases, clinical features, and treatment.

Keywords: Gram-negative bacterial meningitis; VP complications; VP shunt; VP shunt erosion into small bowel; bowel perforation; hydrocephalus; pseudocyst; ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydrocephalus / therapy
  • Intestinal Perforation / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Intestinal Perforation / surgery
  • Intestine, Small / diagnostic imaging*
  • Laparoscopy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*