Brainstem tethering in Dandy-Walker syndrome: a complication of cystoperitoneal shunting. Case report.

Abstract

Treatment of the Dandy-Walker syndrome has included placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt alone or in combination with a posterior fossa cystoperitoneal shunt. Complications in shunting are common and are usually related to malfunction or infection. The authors present a case in which the patient developed headaches and focal cranial nerve deficits following infection caused by a cystoperitoneal shunt. Magnetic resonance imaging showed tethering of the brainstem. A posterior fossa craniotomy with microsurgical untethering and cyst fenestration achieved two goals: improvement of the focal cranial nerve deficits and elimination of the cystoperitoneal shunt.

• Authors: J C Liu, J D Ciacci, T M George
• Journal: Journal of neurosurgery (J Neurosurg) Vol. 83 Issue 6 Pg. 1072-4 (Dec 1995) ISSN: 0022-3085 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7490623 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Brain Stem (physiopathology, surgery)
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts
• Child, Preschool
• Cranial Fossa, Posterior
• Cranial Nerves (physiopathology)
• Dandy-Walker Syndrome (surgery)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Headache (etiology)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Postoperative Complications
• Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt