Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

Unrecognised ventriculitis/meningitis presenting as hydrocephalus in infancy

Vrajesh Udani1, Soonu Udani, Rohan Merani

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center, Veer Savarkar Marg, Mumbai 400 016, India. dr_sudani@hindujahospital.com

Indian Pediatrics
|October 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Unrecognized meningitis/ventriculitis can cause infantile hydrocephalus. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for affected infants, even if they appear well.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Infantile hydrocephalus is a significant concern in neonates.
  • Neonatal meningitis and ventriculitis can lead to severe neurological complications.
  • Unrecognized infections pose a diagnostic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of infantile hydrocephalus secondary to unrecognized neonatal meningitis/ventriculitis.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 72 patients with hydrocephalus from 1991-1998.
  • Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings (lumbar and ventricular).
  • Review of clinical presentation, perinatal risk factors, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Thirteen infants presented with hydrocephalus linked to unrecognized meningitis/ventriculitis.
  • Abnormal CSF profiles and positive cultures were common (10/13).
  • Increasing head size was the most frequent symptom; 6/13 infants appeared well initially.

Conclusions:

  • Unrecognized active meningitis/ventriculitis is a critical, often overlooked, cause of infantile hydrocephalus.
  • Prompt antibiotic therapy before surgical intervention (VP shunting) is essential.
  • A significant proportion of affected infants experienced severe disability.

More Related Videos

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...