Abdominal wall CSF pseudocyst following ventriculoperitoneal shunt displacement: a case report and literature review

Background. Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts (CSFomas) are an uncommon but significant complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for hydrocephalus. Although the procedure is effective, complications such as shunt migration, obstruction, and infection can occur. CSFomas affect fewer than 5% of patients and present with progressive abdominal discomfort, predominantly in children but also in adults. Case report. We present a 33-year-old woman who developed a minimally complex, potentially infected extra-peritoneal abdominal wall CSFoma secondary to VP shunt migration following treatment for hydrocephalus due to recurrent brain infections. Diagnosis was confirmed using computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (USG). Management. The patient was treated with cyst drainage, VP shunt revision, and intravenous antibiotics (ceftriaxone and cefuroxime). She showed complete recovery without recurrence at six-month follow-up. Conclusion. Early diagnosis and management of pseudocyst formation following VP shunt placement are essential to prevent further complications, reduce patient discomfort, and improve long-term outcomes.