Attachment of a pressure gradient chamber to existing lumbar theco-peritoneal shunt in a patient with pseudotumor cerebri with low pressure headaches, a novel procedure: a case report

Abstract

Pesudotumor cerebri is a syndrome which causes intracranial hypertension with no associated mass lesion. It is managed both medically as well as surgically. Cerebral spinal fluid diversion using theco-peritoneal shunt is commonly performed to decrease intracranial tension. We present a case of a middle age lady who had severe low pressure headaches following theco-peritoneal shunt for pesudotumor cerebri. She was managed by attaching pressure gradient chamber to the pre-existing theco-peritoneal shunt. Patient had marked improvement in headache, which gradually subsided. Attaching pressure gradient chamber to the pre-existing theco-peritoneal shunt helps to improve low pressures headaches in pseudotumor cerebri. It is an alternative procedure considering other extensive surgical options.