Choroid plexus cauterization to treat inadequate abdominal cerebrospinal fluid absorption: case report.

INTRODUCTION

Inadequate absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the setting of high CSF production is a relatively rare cause of shunt malfunction.

CASE REPORT: We present the unique case of a 3-year-old boy who developed sterile ascites and abdominal distension in a delayed fashion after shunt placement. The shunt was externalized, and the patient was noted to have high CSF output. Bilateral choroid plexus cauterization resulted in a significant decrease in CSF production and enabled the shunt to be re-inserted into the abdomen.