Acute Epidural Hematoma after Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion: a Case Report

Background & Importance: Acute epidural hematoma is a very rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. The insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt can cause sudden decompression of the brain, subsequent to which epidural hematoma occurs due to CSF drainage. To our knowledge, there are only a few cases of acute epidural hematoma in the literature which required acute evacuation.
In this report, we present a case of epidural hematoma close to ventriculoperitoneral shunt insertion site in a 30-year-old man after failure of endoscopic surgery for opening of the wall of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst. Secondary to communication between cyst and ventricles and clinical symptoms and sings, the patient underwent the shunt insertion. The patient became comatose two hours following the insertion of the shunt, developing a voluminous right temporo-parietal epidural hematoma that had to be evacuated immediately. Here, we intend to discuss both the pathophysiology and treatment.
Development of epidural hematoma after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is a devastating complication. Dehisensce formation between the skull and dura matter, which may be facilitated by lax adhesion between the two, is a common underlying pathology. We recommend a close post-surgical observation for immediate diagnosis and reoperation of this event.