Shunt migration into the cranium is a rare complication of surgical treatment for hydrocephalus. The authors report a case of shunt migration in a child and discuss common physiopathology and treatment. Introduction The migration of ventriculo–peritoneal shunt catheter is a rare complication of surgical treatment for hydrocephalus. The migration may be in either direction and is more frequent with hard and spring loaded shunt tubes 1,2.The authors report a case of intracranial dislocation of a ventriculo–peritoneal shunt catheter. The pathophysiological mechanism of the catheter migration is discussed. Case Report A male child was born by breech delivery at the 30th week of gestation. Four months later a macrocephalia and a tense fontanel developed.Computed tomography showed an increase of ventricular volume. The child underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (medium pressure). On the 9th postoperative day, the child was discharged. Some days later, the child returned to Jo?o Alves Filho Hospital (Aracaju – Sergipe – Brazil), with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Dehydration, macrocephalia, tense fontanel and tumor in right posterior parietal region were present.Computed tomography showed an increase of ventricular volume, air in right temporal horn and shunt tube in the cranium. (Figure 1). The child underwent surgical removal of the tube and a new tube was implanted in contralateral side. On the 7th postoperative day, the child discharged. Nowadays, the child had been treated with anticonvulsivant drugs and ambulatory follow – up.
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