Fractured ventriculoperitoneal shunt with resultant hydrocephalus

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Altered conscious state. VP shunt.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male

Ventriculomegaly with dilatation of the temporal horns in particular. Right parietal approach ventricular drain. 

The shunt tubing is fractured at the level of the upper cervical spine. The distal tubing is now coiled within the abdomen.

Case Discussion

Shunt fracture is common, most commonly occurring in the neck. Often there is a delay between shunt disconnection and symptoms. 

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