Extrusion of the Ventricular Component of a Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt Into the Subgaleal Space: Case Report of an Unusual Complication

Background: The migration of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt catheters used in the treatment of hydrocephalus is an infrequent complication which occurs without any recognizable cause. Case report: An unusual case of ventricular catheter extrusion into the subgaleal area in a fivemonth-old hydrocephalic baby is presented. The event occured nearly 3 months following the placement of a VP shunt. VP shunt revision was performed without any neurological deterioration, and the patient has been included in the clinical follow-up protocol. Conclusion: In the literature ventricular end extrusion into the scalp has not been reported, so far. Although VP shunt application is very effective in treatment of hydrocephalus, it may cause unexpected complications.