Noninvasive assessment of subcutaneous fibrous tunnel patency of fractured ventriculoperitoneal shunt by ultrasonography

Gocer A. İ., ERMAN T., TUNA M., SEVUK M.

NEUROSURGERY QUARTERLY, vol.14, no.2, pp.90-92, 2004 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 14 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/01.wnq.0000126103.40535.14
  • Journal Name: NEUROSURGERY QUARTERLY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.90-92
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Shunt malfunction caused by fracture of the distal tube is a common complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Functionality of the fractured distal shunt tube must be evaluated before its removal, because a connective tissue sheath or subcutaneous fibrous channel around the peritoneal catheter may be patent. Although an accurate assessment of shunt function is made by invasive tests such as radioisotope or radiopaque injection via tapping the reservoir, these methods have risks. In our case, patency of a subcutaneous fibrous tunnel that had developed around the distal catheter before the fracture was demonstrated noninvasively by real-time ultrasonography.