Evaluation of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt-Related Complications in Intracranial Meningioma with Hydrocephalus

Objective Meningioma is a common intracranial tumor that predisposes patients to hydrocephalus which may require a permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure such as ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. We reviewed our long-term experience with VP shunts for the management of hydrocephalus in patients with meningioma. Methods and Materials A total of 48 Patients with meningioma who underwent VP shunt insertion for hydrocephalus from 1990 to 2013 was included in our case series. The study population was evaluated clinically and radiographically after VP shunt placement. Results Overall shunt failure was seen in 13 (27%) patients. Single and multiple shunt revisions were required in eight (16.7%) and five (10.4%) patients, respectively. The overall shunt revision within 6 months, 1, and 5 years was 19, 23, and 27%, respectively. Male patient was significantly associated with the longer survival after shunt placement. Revisions free survival after 3, 5, 10, and 15 years of VP shunt placement were 70, 46, 30, and 20%, respectively. Finally, in regression analysis, age greater than 65 years (p = 0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1-0.13), tumor in posterior fossa (p < 0.0001, 95% CI = 0.1-0.23), tumor size (> 5 cm) (p = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.01-0.19), and Simpson resection grades II to IV (p = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.07-0.2) were identified as positive predictors of requirement of CSF flow diversion Conclusion The findings of the present study reveal that VP shunting is an important treatment option for the management of hydrocephalus in patients with meningioma. Further studies using less invasive techniques are warranted to compare the benefits of VP shunt for the management of hydrocephalus.