Intrathoracic migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter: a case report

Background: The intrathoracic complications from ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement are very rare. However, they are potentially serious if not treated. Clinical case: We report the case of thoracic migration of a peritoneal catheter after ventriculoperitoneal shunt and we also review the literature references with discussion of the different mechanisms of shunt-tip migration described. No case of previous sternotomy as in our patient has been found published. Conclusion: All reports recommend early catheter repositioning into the peritoneal cavity after diagnosing the migration described, to prevent worse complications. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that intrathoracic migration can happen and it is necessary to palpate the catheter continuously during passage through subcutaneous tunnelling to prevent it (C) 2014 Sociedad Espanola de Neurocirugia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.