Hepatic pseudocyst as a result of ventriculoperitoneal shunts: case report and review of the literature

Pediatr Neurosurg. 2007;43(6):501-3. doi: 10.1159/000108795.

Abstract

Hepatic pseudocyst formation is a rare intra-abdominal complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. The presence of an intracranial tumor and a history of central nervous system infection are major risk factors for the development of this complication. Hepatic pseudocysts secondary to ventriculoperitoneal shunts can be classified as intra- and extra-axially growing cysts. On abdominal computed tomography images, extra-axially growing pseudocysts are typically surrounded by a fine annulus that shows continuity to hepatic parenchyma. For treatment of extra-axially growing hepatic pseudocysts, surgical unroofing of the cyst and repositioning of the catheter is an effective method if there is no shunt infection and/or dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / etiology
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Liver Diseases / etiology
  • Liver Diseases / surgery
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*