A porencephalic cyst formation in a 6-year-old female with a functioning ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a case-based review

Abstract

Introduction: Porencephalic cysts and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) edema around the intracranial shuntcatheter are rare complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery. Possible mechanisms leading to a porencephalic cyst formation in a patient with a VPS include taut ventricle, dysfunction of distalcatheters, and irreversible damage to the brain parenchyma caused by shunt insertion, chemotherapy, or radiation. Most of the previous reports were due to shunt malfunction and treatment consisted of shunt revision or removal.

Case report: We present a case of porencephalic cyst formation in a 6-year-old female as a result ofcerebrospinal fluid under-drainage that was promptly improved with shunt valve adjustment.

Coclusions: A heightened index of suspicion is required to prevent misdiagnosis of porencephalic cysts astumors or abscesses that may lead to unnecessary surgical explorations. Further research is needed toelucidate the pathophysiological mechanism that causes a porencephalic cyst formation.

Keywords: Hydrocephalus; Porencephaly; Ventriculoperitoneal shunt.