Distal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter Migration into the Pulmonary Vasculature and Cardiac Chamber: A Case Report

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is the most common neurosurgical procedure for treatment of hydrocephalus. Shunt-related complications are relatively common and associated with a high rate of shunt revision. However, migration of the distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt, especially into the cardiac and intravascular regions, has rarely been reported. Awareness of this rare but potentially hazardous complication is important owing to its significant morbidity, which can be prevented by prompt management. Here, we introduce a case of a 23-year-old male with migration of the distal shunt catheter through the left internal jugular vein into the cardiac chamber and both pulmonary arteries, which occurred 2 months after receiving ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Furthermore, we discuss the possible mechanisms and management of this condition.