Abdominal Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudocyst as a Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement

Abstract

The abdominal cavity has long been used for absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with hydrocephalus. Although the procedure is quite common, there are complications that can potentially arise following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion. Here, we report a case of a 39-year-old female patient in which a large abdominal pseudocyst was developed as a complication of VP shunt placement. Ultrasonographical evaluation of the abdomen showed a well-defined cystic mass lesion later confirmed on CT abdomen. She subsequently underwent surgical excision of the pseudocyst with resolution of previous symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of this complication since early diagnosis improves outcome and reduce patient's suffering and distress.