Brain abscess formation as a CSF shunt complication: a case report
2009

Brain Abscess Formation as a Complication of CSF Shunt

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Jamjoom Aimun AB, Waliuddin Abrar R, Jamjoom Abdulhakim B

Primary Institution: King Khalid National Guards Hospital

Hypothesis

Can a brain abscess develop as a complication of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt?

Conclusion

Brain abscess formation as a complication of a CSF shunt is rare, but clinicians should be aware of it in shunted patients showing signs of infection.

Supporting Evidence

  • Only 7 cases of brain abscess due to shunt complications have been reported in the last 20 years.
  • The patient had a CSF sample that grew Staphylococcus aureus.
  • The abscess was successfully treated with antibiotics and surgical intervention.

Takeaway

Sometimes, when kids have a tube in their head to help with fluid, they can get a bad infection that makes a lump in their brain. It's very rare, but doctors need to check for it if the kid gets sick.

Methodology

Case report of a 9-month-old male with congenital hydrocephalus who developed a brain abscess after VP shunt insertion.

Limitations

Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

9-month-old male child with congenital hydrocephalus and multiple congenital anomalies.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-1626-2-110

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