Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction in a complex parturient: a case report

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is an effective procedure used to treat congenital hydrocephalus and has significantly improved the survivability of these patients to reach a reproductive age. However, as people with VP shunts become pregnant, they face a substantial risk related to shunt failure. The literature reports that up to 50 % of parturients with a VP shunt will experience some form of shunt related complication during their pregnancy. However, there are few published case reports documenting the clinical sequelae of parturients who ultimately experience these complications. The added physiological changes associated with pregnancy can further challenge the management of these parturients. Parturients with a VP shunt require a multidisciplinary team and close monitoring to detect any potential neurological changes and shunt malfunction. The use of a multidisciplinary team is essential to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Here, we present a case of a complex parturient with a VP shunt complicated by shunt malfunction along with a literature review of the incidence of shunt malfunction, severity of symptoms, possible treatment options, and the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes. ● Pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunts have greatly improved the survival rates of congenital hydrocephalus. ● Ventriculoperitoneal shunts have a high rate of malfunction during pregnancy and require closer monitoring. ● A multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensure favorable outcomes.