Surg Neurol
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Review Case Reports
Hydrothorax from intrathoracic migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter.
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. ⋯ 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.
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Pneumocephalus is a well-known phenomenon in which a fistula between the thoracic cavity and the subarachnoid space is one of its rare etiologies. ⋯ The occurrence of pneumocephalus must be considered when neurologic problems emerge after thoracotomy. It appears that if conservative treatment fails, surgical closure of the fistula via thoracic or neurosurgical approach is indicated.