The radiology of cerebrospinal fluid shunts and their complications.

Abstract

The three commonly used types of cerebrospinal fluid shunts are ventriculo-cisternal, ventriculo-atrial, and ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. These consist of catheters, valves, flushing devices and reservoirs. The radiographic features of several shunt systems are described. The radiographically recognizable complications of cerebrospinal fluid shunts are cranial, cardiovascular, and abdominal. The cranial complications include displacement and disconnection of the ventricular catheter. Cardiovascular changes include retraction of catheters, embolism and thrombosis of vessels and, rarely, damage to the cardiac wall. Migration of catheters out of or into the abdominal cavity and occasional volvulus or bowel perforation represent the possible abdominal complications. All of these complications ultimately lead to cessation of function of the shunt.