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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2007; 05(02): 161-164
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557368
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

West Nile virus encephalitis in a child with shunted hydrocephalus

Chris S. Karas
a   Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, OH, USA
,
Craig Berg
b   Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, OH, USA
,
Scott W. Elton
c   Division of Neurosurgery, Columbus Children's Hospital, OH, USA
› Author Affiliations
Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

27 October 2006

11 November 2006

Publication Date:
30 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

A case of immunoassay proven West Nile virus encephalitis in a six-year old girl with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is described. The patient was initially evaluated for shunt dysfunction, but further testing revealed viral encephalitis. Importantly, once the diagnosis was confirmed, the child's treatment and recovery did not require shunt revision. This is the first reported case of the diagnosis and treatment of West Nile virus encephalitis in the setting of ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Keywords

West Nile virus - hydrocephalus - encephalitis - ventriculoperitoneal shunt