Management of Hydrocephalus in Children: Anatomic Imaging Appearances of CSF Shunts and Their Complications

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This article addresses the management of hydrocephalus and the CSF shunts used to treat this entity. CONCLUSION. CSF shunts have a high failure rate. Imaging plays a pivotal role in assessing CSF shunt failure and determining the need for surgical revision. An in-depth knowledge of CSF shunt components, their failure modes, and the corresponding findings on anatomic imaging studies is necessary to ensure timely diagnosis and prevent permanent neurologic damage.

Keywords: CSF pseudocyst; CSF shunt; CSF shunt complications; CT; MRI; hydrocephalus; pediatrics; radiographic shunt series; ventriculoperitoneal shunt.