Complications in patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts are common. Thus, these patients are frequently admitted for suspicion of a shunt dysfunction (SD). However, the symptoms of a SD are often unspecific and the required diagnostics are time consuming, expensive, invasive and may involve radiation exposure. In a prospective observational study it is planned to find out, how often a suspected shunt dysfunction is found, which kinds of shunt dysfunction are seen and if there is a correlation between the shunt dysfunctions and the age of the shunt. Furthermore, it is intended to find out, if there are symptom-patterns specific for certain shunt dysfunctions.
All patients who are admitted for suspected shunt-dysfunction will be included. Patient data, detailed data about the shunt, patient's symptoms and all findings will be recorded in the CRF. After 4-8 weeks all patients will be followed-up to add missing data and correct initial findings with the benefit of a retrospective view. After 2 years, data will be analyzed.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
150
State after CSF shunt implantation
Dept. of Neurosurgery, Zurich University Hospital
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich University Hospital
Zurich, Switzerland
Confirmation of Shunt Dysfunction (yes/no)
The correctness of the suspected diagnosis of a shunt dysfunction
Time frame: 4-8 weeks after first presentation
Kind of Shunt Dysfunction (infection/disruption/kinking/obstruction/others)
In case of a confirmed shunt dysfunction, the kind of dysfunction is recorded
Time frame: 4-8 weeks after first presentation
Alternate Diagnosis (multiple diagnoses possible)
If the suspected diagnosis of a shunt dysfunction is not approved, the alternate diagnosis leading to the patient's symptoms is recorded. Every possible medical disorder might lead to presentation of the patient. Thus, no catalogue of possible diagnoses is given.
Time frame: 4-8 weeks after first presentation
Time Span after Shunt Implantation (months)
Certain kinds of shunt dysfunctions seem to appear at a certain "age" of a shunt. The time after implantation/last revision of the shunt is recorded. The age of the shunt / time span after first implantation is measured in months.
Time frame: 4-8 weeks after first presentation
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