Intraventricular abscess: A rare shunt related complication in a multiloculated ventricular system

Abstract

Cerebral abscess is a rare complication of cerebrospinal fluid shunts as are Gram-negative infections. We present a case of Gram-negative cerebral abscess presenting 2 years following cerebrospinal fluid shunt insertion in a child with cerebral palsy and multiple abdominal procedures. The child presented with a 2-week history of nausea and low-grade pyrexia had raised inflammatory makers. A cranial computed tomography scan did identify a multiloculated ventricle with the tip of the proximal end of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt confined within an abscess cavity. Treatment was by excision of the abscess and a period of external drainage and antibiotics.

Keywords

Cerebrospinal fluid - shunt infections - cerebral abscess