Cerebrospinal Ascites Developed 3 Years after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting in a Hydrocephalic Patient

Abstract

We report a 23-year-old woman who developed ascites 3 years after ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Revision of the shunt to ventricular drainage followed by ventriculo-atrial shunting was required for resolution of ascites. In our patient the pathophysiology of this rare shunt complication most likely involved impaired absorption of fluid within the peritoneum associated with multiple shunt reconstructions and tube extensions resulting in chronic inflammation. Cerebrospinal ascites must be suspected irrespective of post-shunt intervals in similar patients.