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Neuropediatrics 2014; 45(04): 252-255
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1363298
Short Communication
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Secondary Pediatric Encephalocele after Ventriculosubgaleal Shunting for Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus

Daniel Seeburg
1   Division of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
,
Edward Ahn
2   Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
,
Thierry Huisman
1   Division of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

16 July 2013

09 October 2013

Publication Date:
19 December 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Intraventricular hemorrhage and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus continue to be common complications in very low-birth-weight premature infants, often requiring ventricular shunting for cerebrospinal fluid diversion. We report on two infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus that developed a secondary encephalocele after ventriculosubgaleal shunting. Encephaloceles can act as a source of seizure activity and can result in various additional complications including meningitis, abscess formation, and infarction of herniated brain parenchyma. With continued improvements in neonatal intensive care, the survival of infants with significant medical comorbidities—including those that develop posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus requiring ventricular shunting—continues to increase. It is thus important for the radiologist and treating physician to be aware of this rare, potential complication.

Keywords

encephalocele - ventriculosubgaleal shunt - posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus - premature infant - intraventricular hemorrhage - burr hole
 

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