Clinical and cytogenetic analysis of an intracranial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor induced by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

The authors report the first case of an intracranial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) associated with the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which occurred in a 7-year-old boy. Neuroradiological features showed a mass surrounding the ventricular catheter. The lesion was completely resected. Histological study revealed the mass to be an IMT. The patient's postoperative course was complicated by a local recurrence requiring a second surgery. Cytogenetic analysis of the sample by comparative genome hybridization revealed several chromosomal amplifications and regional losses. The occurrence of IMT in the CNS has rarely been reported. For treatment of this condition, the authors recommend a total removal of the shunt with a mass excision to prevent local recurrence.