Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst following ventriculo-peritoneal shunt surgery: A case report and review of literature.

Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst is an uncommon complication following ventriculo-peritoneal shunt surgery. We report a case of 1 year 6 months old female baby who presented with complaint of progressive abdominal distension since last 1 month. At 1 month of age, right ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement was done for obstructive hydrocephalus due to congenital aqueductal stenosis. Physical examination revealed a palpable abdominal cystic lump. USG of whole abdomen suggested large cystic space occupying lesion (18.6 × 13 cm) in anterior abdomen. CT scan of whole abdomen also suggested upper abdominal large cystic mass lesion with tip of VP shunt within it. After checking all baseline investigations exploratory laparotomy was performed. A large CSF pseudocyst was noted in upper abdomen. Deroofing of the cyst and repositioning of VP shunt catheter were done. VP shunt catheter was patent and functioning normally. Surgeons should be aware of this possible complication because early diagnosis and treatment would improve the clinical outcome and reduce the patient’s suffering and distress.