Late peritoneal metastases of medulloblastoma following ventriculoperitoneal shunting: A case report

Abstract

Medulloblastoma typically disseminates through cerebrospinal fluid pathways, making extraneural peritoneal metastases an exceptional occurrence often associated with the presence of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with chronic postprandial vomiting and malnutrition 45 months after initial treatment for desmoplastic medulloblastoma. Imaging revealed extensive peritoneal masses and osteosclerotic lesions, without evidence of intracranial tumor recurrence. This case highlights the risk of shunt-mediated tumor dissemination and emphasizes the necessity for long-term clinical vigilance and a high index of suspicion when survivors present with new, nonspecific abdominal symptoms.