Imaging of Ventricular Shunts

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt is an internalized system used for the treatment of hydrocephalus and connects the ventricular system to the peritoneal space, right atrium, or the pleural space. The CSF shunt malfunction can occur due to obstruction, migration, overdrainage, infection, or CSF accumulation at the distal end. Although conventional radiography and radionuclide studies are used for evaluation of integrity of the shunts, computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging are used for the evaluation of shunt obstruction, migration, CSF accumulations, infections, overdrainage, and other complications. We discuss the different types and components of the CSF shunt, as this is important for the evaluation of the shunt integrity. Imaging of various causes of CSF shunt malfunction and the complications related to CSF shunts would be illustrated.