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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
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The shampoo clue: two cases of infection of a ventriculoatrial shunt

R Apsner1, S Winkler, B Schneeweiss

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, General Hospital, University of Vienna, Austria. robert.apsner@nephro.imed3.akh-wien.ac.at

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|November 30, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing implanted device infections, like ventriculoatrial shunts, is challenging. Meticulous patient history is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Infections of implanted medical devices pose significant diagnostic challenges.
  • Ventriculoatrial shunts are used for cerebrospinal fluid diversion but are susceptible to infection.
  • Sophisticated diagnostic tools may not always suffice for identifying these infections.

Observation:

  • Two cases of ventriculoatrial shunt infections are presented.
  • These cases highlight diagnostic difficulties despite advanced medical technology.
  • The importance of detailed patient history taking is emphasized.

Findings:

  • Thorough patient history is critical for diagnosing ventriculoatrial shunt infections.
  • Clinical presentation and historical data are key when diagnostic tools are inconclusive.
  • Early recognition through careful history can prevent complications.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the continued importance of clinical acumen in diagnosing device-related infections.
  • Suggests that detailed patient interviews should be prioritized in suspected cases.
  • Highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies combining technology and clinical expertise.

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