Ascites following ventriculoperitoneal shunting in children with chiasmatic-hypothalamic glioma

Childs Nerv Syst. 2001 Jun;17(7):395-8. doi: 10.1007/s003810100460.

Abstract

Object: Optic pathway gliomas in children can involve the optic nerve, chiasm, and hypothalamus. This uncommon, slowly growing tumor can cause hydrocephalus, which usually requires placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Symptomatic ascites may occasionally develop as a complication of the VP shunt procedure. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with CSF ascites in children with optic pathway gliomas.

Methods: Twenty-two children (ages 4 months to 20 years) with chiasmatic-hypothalamic optic gliomas participated in this study. Four children were diagnosed with a chiasmatic glioma, 7 with a hypothalamic glioma, and 11 with a glioma involving both the optic chiasm and hypothalamus. Twelve children (55%) developed hydrocephalus and required VP shunt placement. Of the 12 shunted children, 4 (33%) developed CSF ascites. The incidence of ascites was not associated with infection, tumor metastasis, or multiple shunt revisions. There was no correlation with the size of the tumor. All 4 children with ascites had tumor involving the optic chiasm or optic nerve. None of the 5 children with pure hypothalamic glioma who underwent VP shunt placement have developed ascites. Among the 7 children suffering from chiasmatic or optic nerve gliomas who developed hydrocephalus, the risk of developing ascites as a complication of VP shunt placement was 57% (4/7). Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt was the treatment of choice for children with VP shunt-induced ascites. After placement of a VA shunt the ascites subsided. The children did not develop further complications.

Conclusion: We conclude that glioma involving the optic chiasm or nerve is associated with a high risk of developing ascites following VP shunt placement. VA shunt may be the treatment of choice for children with chiasmatic or optic nerve gliomas who require a CSF diversion procedure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Ascites / etiology*
  • Ascites / surgery
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Glioma / complications*
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Hypothalamus* / pathology
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Optic Chiasm* / pathology
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*