Distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure secondary to Clostridium difficile colitis.
Distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt obstruction is typically associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection, fluid pseudocysts, bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, or improper shunt placement in the abdomen. We describe a unique etiology for distal shunt obstruction secondary to Clostridium difficile pancolitis that occurred because of inflammation and ascites, which led to incomplete drainage and absorption of CSF. This case illustrates the importance of considering distal shunt obstruction in a patient with signs of abdominal pathology in the setting of mental status changes, and the effective treatment of this patient initially with distal catheter externalization followed by internalization of a new distal catheter after resolution of the pancolitis.
Duke Scholars
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DOI
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Related Subject Headings
- Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
- Treatment Outcome
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Reoperation
- Postoperative Complications
- Peritoneal Cavity
- Pancreatitis
- Neurosurgical Procedures
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Middle Aged
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
- Treatment Outcome
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Reoperation
- Postoperative Complications
- Peritoneal Cavity
- Pancreatitis
- Neurosurgical Procedures
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Middle Aged