Acute Hydrocephalus and Death Following V-P Shunt Disconnection

Abstract

Acute hydrocephalus was described following sudden complete obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways.¹ This is one of the many complications that have been reported with ventriculoperitoneal shunts.² Rarely are these acutely lifethreatening. We report a case of acute hydrocephalus after sudden disconnection of a ventriculopertoneal shunt with subsequent death of the child.

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CASE REPORT

A 5-month-old male infant developed bacterial meningitis in February 1976. Two months later, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted for treatment of progressive communicating hydrocephalus. On a follow-up examination in October 1976, he was reported to be mildly delayed without other neurologic handicap.