Background: The intrathoracic complications of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt are very rare. We report an unusual case of VP shunt complication with intrathoracic migration, associated with pleural effusion in a 55-year-old man.
Methods: We reviewed the seven cases reported in the literature and the mechanism of shunt-tip migration and preventive measures are presented.
Results: The patient was successfully managed with revision. The catheter was retrieved and replaced in the peritoneal cavity.
Conclusions: With VP shunting, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of peritoneal shunt-tip migration into the chest. To prevent this kind of complication, we stressed precise location of a subcutaneous tunneling device above the ribs during subcutaneous passage.