Cerebrospinal fluid ascites. a case report and literature review

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid ascites is one complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. This case reports a 7year old child with abdominal distention five years after ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion for hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal stenosis. The child had a history of multiple shunt revisions. Liver, cardiac and renal causes of ascites were diagnostically ruled out. Cerebrospinal fluid biochemistry was normal but ascitic fluid biochemistry and electrophoresis of the ascitic fluid were deranged. The ascites resolved gradually within two weeks of endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Cases recorded in literature are reviewed in the discussion.