Unilateral subdural-peritoneal shunting for bilateral chronic subdural hematomas in infancy. Report of three cases.

The authors present the cases of three infants with bilateral chronic subdural hematomas (SDH's) (effusions). Communication between the hematoma cavities was confirmed by an injection of air or metrizamide into one of the cavities. In all three cases, both SDH's (effusions) were successfully treated by placement of a unilateral subdural-peritoneal shunt without any untoward consequences. It is stressed that the cavities of bilateral chronic SDH's (effusions) may communicate, and that in such cases unilateral subdural-peritoneal shunting is sufficient to eradicate the SDH's on both sides. In addition, subdural fluid, even with a high protein concentration, may be successfully eliminated by an internal shunt using a shunt tube with a large internal caliber and a low-pressure valve.