Ventriculoatrial shunt in adults. A case series, with emphasis on atrial catheter migration

Objectives: Few studies have described retrograde migration of the atrial catheter tip in ventriculoatrial shunt to treat adult hydrocephalus. Methods: We placed ventriculoatrial shunts in 25 selected adult patients with a previous complicated abdominal surgery or concurrent bowel disease and in patients with persistent symptoms after a ventriculoperitoneal, potentially due to conflicting internal abdominal pressure. Clinical and radiological follow-ups were performed at least 18 months postoperatively. Results: No mortality or early or late infection occurred in the series of patients. At the long-term clinical and radiological follow-up (mean 4.5 years), eight patients died due to causes unrelated to shunt surgery. All other patients were able to live independently but some experienced neurological decline related to their neurodegenerative disease. In five patients (20%), atrial catheter migration was detected on a control chest x-ray; in four patients, it was associated with worsening of their clinical condition. These patients underwent surgical substitution of the atrial catheter. The remaining asymptomatic patient was managed conservatively. Conclusions: The ventriculoatrial shunt was a safe, effective procedure for treating hydrocephalus in adult patients. Retrograde migration of the atrial catheter tip in symptomatic patients required surgical substitution of the atrial catheter.