Breast cancer in association with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: An unexpected discovery

Abstract

International Journal of Case Reports and Images (IJCRI) is an international, peer reviewed, monthly, open access, online journal, publishing high-quality, articles in all areas of basic medical sciences and clinical specialties.Aim of IJCRI is to encourage the publication of new information by providing a platform for reporting of unique, unusual and rare cases which enhance understanding of disease process, its diagnosis, management and clinico-pathologic correlations. Case Report: A 75-year-old female presented with multifocal invasive lobular carcinoma in association with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient did not include insertion of a VP shunt in her medical history during the initial consultation and this in conjunction with the absence of the shunt catheter on preoperative imaging resulted in the unexpected discovery of the VP shunt adjacent to the tumour intra-operatively. Meticulous dissection allowed for preservation of the VP shunt and the patient had an unremarkable recovery. Conclusion: Preoperatively, a thorough history is essential for the safe provision of patient care. Neurosurgeons must give due consideration to the possibility of future oncological breast surgery when planning insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.