Cerebral venous thrombosis after ventriculoperitoneal shunting: a case report

Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2014;54(7):554-7. doi: 10.2176/nmc.cr2012-0312. Epub 2013 Nov 20.

Abstract

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) is a simple procedure, but there are several potential complications. We describe the first reported case of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) after VPS. A 69-year-old man suffering from normal pressure hydrocephalus underwent left VPS. Two months later he developed CVT and cerebral venous hemorrhage in the left frontal lobe. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the thrombus formation just adjacent to the shunt tube. One possible cause is compression of the cortical vein after brain shift and/or tension of the cortical vein due to intracranial hypotension. A protein C deficiency was also detected. Surgeons should be aware that cerebral venous thrombosis can occur after VPS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cerebral Veins*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / complications
  • Constriction, Pathologic / diagnosis
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Frontal Lobe / blood supply
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure / surgery*
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / etiology
  • Intracranial Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / instrumentation*