Brain metastases as a cause of malignant cerebrospinal fluid ascites: case report and review of the literature. (September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Low, Yin Yee Sharon; Thomas, John; Wan, Wei Keat; Ng, Wai Hoe
• Is Part Of: CNS oncology. Volume 1:Number 1(2012)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2012-09
• Subjects: Central nervous system -- Tumors -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.2217/cns.12.2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-0907

Abstract

SUMMARY The development of cerebrospinal fluid ascites after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation is an extremely rare complication. There have been only sporadic case reports and small series reviews published in regards to this condition. They are usually found in the context of primary brain tumors, usually affecting the pediatric population. We present an unusual case of a patient with known metastatic breast carcinoma to the brain who develops malignant cerebrospinal fluid ascites after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion. This is the first known adult case of a metastatic breast primary to the brain causing tumor dissemination via a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.