Hydrothorax from intrathoracic migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter.

BACKGROUND

The intrathoracic complications of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt are very rare. We report an unusual case of VP shunt complication with intrathoracic migration, associated with pleural effusion in a 55-year-old man.

METHODS

We reviewed the seven cases reported in the literature and the mechanism of shunt-tip migration and preventive measures are presented.

RESULTS

The patient was successfully managed with revision. The catheter was retrieved and replaced in the peritoneal cavity.

CONCLUSIONS

With VP shunting, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of peritoneal shunt-tip migration into the chest. To prevent this kind of complication, we stressed precise location of a subcutaneous tunneling device above the ribs during subcutaneous passage.