A bizarre reentry phenomenon of distal shunt tip causing shunt malfunction.

INTRODUCTION

We report a bizarre presentation of a distal shunt malfunction in a 5-year-old child with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

DISCUSSION

The plain radiographs done as a workup for possible shunt malfunction demonstrated the distal shunt tip reentering the abdominal wall from inside the peritoneal cavity. We discuss the possible explanation for the phenomenon.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the case is just another reminder of the fact that shunt malfunctions can have multiple presentations; hence, a regular follow-up with appropriate imaging and high index of suspicion is mandatory in preventing morbidities.