A Pediatric Case of Intractable Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage after Implantation of an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump

Intrathecal baclofen(ITB)infusion can offer a useful treatment for severe spasticity;however, numerous complications have been reported. We report a pediatric case in which intractable cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leakage associated with several inconvenient symptoms arose after implantation of the ITB pump system. A 10-year-old girl with spastic quadriparesis and athetoid cerebral palsy underwent implantation of an ITB delivery system. After discharge, she presented with fluid collection surrounding the pump in the abdomen. The volume of fluid increased and was percutaneously aspirated every other week. However, conservative management failed to relieve fluid collection, which was suspected to be due to CSF leakage. She underwent additional purse-string suture of the point inserted catheter insertion in the back, epidural blood patch, and subfascial implantation of an anchor. However, none of these therapies proved effective. Progressive enlargement of the accumulated fluid was observed. Furthermore, symptoms of ITB withdrawal appeared. Lumbar-peritoneal shunting was performed, and the subcutaneous fluid collection was relieved postoperatively. The course after shunting was uneventful;hence, the dose of baclofen was stabilized. No recurrence of fluid collection was encountered for two years. Intractable CSF leakage was thought to be caused by wasting, occult hydrocephalus, and twisted movements. This case indicates that care is required in the management of CSF leakage after ITB pump implantation.