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Management of maternal hydrocephalus requires replacement of ventriculoperitoneal shunt with ventriculoatrial shunt: a case report

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Abstract

Background

Women with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt require special care during pregnancy, although they develop few complications related to hydrocephalus.

Case

We recently encountered a pregnant patient with hydrocephalus, which was caused by VP shunt malfunction induced by increased intra-abdominal pressure associated with pregnancy. She was treated by replacement of the VP shunt with a ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt. After treatment, she achieved vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

We recommend VA shunt implantation as a treatment option for the management of VP shunt malfunction during pregnancy. We further propose that patients in whom the VP shunt is replaced with a VA shunt can achieve spontaneous vaginal delivery.

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Correspondence to Masahiro Murakami.

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The management of maternal hydrocephalus with VA shunt.

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Murakami, M., Morine, M., Iwasa, T. et al. Management of maternal hydrocephalus requires replacement of ventriculoperitoneal shunt with ventriculoatrial shunt: a case report. Arch Gynecol Obstet 282, 339–342 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1379-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1379-3

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