Acute Hydrocephalus Following a Spontaneous Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter Fracture With Scrotal Migration

Cureus. 2021 Apr 19;13(4):e14554. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14554.

Abstract

Genitalia-related complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, such as scrotal migrations, are rare and most frequently presenting during the first year of the system placement, usually in the pediatric population, due to several factors, including vaginal process patency and increased abdominal pressure. Despite being typically benign, hernias, hydroceles, perforations, and catheter migration to the scrotum can lead to permanent disabilities and lethal complications, such as ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction. We report a case of a late-onset, atraumatic, ventriculoperitoneal shunt fracture and catheter migration to the scrotum in a 22-year-old male, six years after its implantation, presenting in the emergency department due to acute hydrocephalus symptoms.

Keywords: hydrocephalus; scrotum; surgery complication; surgial complications; ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports