Radiological correlation of mechanism of intravascular migration of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt and technical considerations for endovascular retrieval

J Radiol Case Rep. 2022 Jan 1;16(1):22-29. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v16i1.4346. eCollection 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the pulmonary artery is a rare complication that can lead to shunt malfunction and cardiopulmonary complications. This case illustrates the significance of accidental transvenous placement of the shunt. Identification of the transvenous course of the catheter on cross sectional imaging can predict future catheter migration and also aid at surgical extraction. Formation of knot within the distal portion of the shunt catheter during migration or endovascular retrieval can occur, therefore measures to retrieve with knot and adhesions should be factored in before.

Keywords: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt; endovascular retrieval; interventional radiology; intrapulmonary migration; intravascular tunneling.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Foreign-Body Migration* / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration* / etiology
  • Foreign-Body Migration* / surgery
  • Heart
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects