[Post-shunt subdural hematoma in infants and children--analysis of eleven cases (author's transl)].

Out of 122 hydrocephalic infants and children treated by cerebrospinal fluid shunt, post-shunt subdural hematoma was found in 11 patients in total, 8 cases with non-tumorous hydrocephalus and 3 cases with brain tumors obstructing the cerebrospinal fluid pathway. In most cases the diagnosis of subdural hematoma was delayed since signs of increased intracranial pressure were absent initially. The signs of increased intracranial pressure appeared later, when the shunted venricle collapsed and could not give any more space to the growing subdural hematoma. At this stage those cases were easily misdiagnosed as shunt dysfunction. Post-shunt subdural hematoma was apparently induced by the tear of the bridging vein or leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid into the subdural space through the torn arachnoid membrane due to over-drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid, especially when the patients took the erect position. Since such a complication is not rare and difficult to be diagnosed, intensive follow-up is necessary in the post-shunt period. The precautionary measures as well as the treatment for these subdural hematoma were also discussed.