Cerebrospinal fluid ascites: a patient case report and literature review

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid ascites following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus is a very rare complication. We present the first case at our hospital. A 3year old female with communicating hydrocephalus presented with massive ascites. It recurred with 2-3weeks of ascitic tap to dryness. Other possible causes of ascites were excluded by normal renal and liver function tests and clinically normal cardiac function. Tests done on the ascitic fluid showed that it was consistent with cerebrospinal fluid with no signs of infection. CT abdomen excluded abdominal masses and CSF pseudo-cyst. A ventriculo-Atrial shunt was done and the ascites slowly regressed over the next 2-3 weeks with no recurrence. The reason why the peritoneum failed to absorb the CSF was not established.