Insertion of a ventriculo-biliary shunt in a 3-year-old complicated by subdural biliary hygromas: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Hydrocephalus is commonly treated by diverting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ventricles through a shunt system to a distal site, such as the peritoneum, right atrium, or pleural space. When CSF diversion to these sites is contraindicated, the gallbladder is an alternative terminus. Ventriculo-biliary shunts, in which the distal tip of the shunt catheter is placed into the gallbladder through the cystic duct, are one such alternative. There are a paucity case reports describing the adverse effects of these shunts.

CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe the case of a 3-year-old child with history of a craniopharyngioma who underwent ventriculo-biliary shunt placement and presented with increased seizures, abdominal distention, hydrocephalus, and imaging consistent with development of a subdural collection. Analysis of the subdural collection was consistent with biliary fluid.

CONCLUSION: The placement of a valveless system between the brain and biliary system should be carefully considered in highly medically unstable patients. We present the first report of this rare adverse event and describe the diagnostic criteria, prevention, and management options for biliary reflux into the intracranial compartment.