Bilateral Subdural Hematomas after Lumboperitoneal Shunt Placement

Background: Lumboperitoneal shunts are commonly placed as treatment for a variety of conditions, and complications can be significant. Objectives: We discuss a rare complication of these shunts, namely bilateral non-traumatic subdural hematoma formation. Case Report: A patient with a normal neurologic examination but severe nausea, weight loss, and dehydration presented 2 weeks after lumboperitoneal shunt placement for cryptococcal meningitis, and was found to have bilateral subdural hematomas. Conclusions: Physicians should be aware of this potentially devastating complication of shunt placement so that prompt and appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Read abstract on library site