Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
14:59

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

Published on: October 14, 2022

Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia in children with ventricular shunts

Daniel H Fulkerson1, Joel C Boaz

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. dfulkers@iupui.edu

Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics
|April 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia is common in children with shunts and linked to shunt failure. This finding suggests increased risk of malfunction and highlights the need for specific diagnostic approaches in shunt infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pathology

Background:

  • Eosinophils in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been observed in pediatric patients with shunts.
  • The clinical significance and associated factors of CSF eosinophilia in this population require further elucidation.

Observation:

  • CSF eosinophilia was detected in 31% of 300 pediatric shunt patients.
  • Eosinophilia correlated with CSF extravasation, shunt infection, blood in CSF, younger age at shunt insertion, and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.

Findings:

  • Patients with CSF eosinophilia faced a higher risk of subsequent shunt failure.
  • CSF eosinophils were present in 90.8% of 130 shunt infections.
  • Propionibacterium acnes infections showed a higher percentage of eosinophils compared to other pathogens.

Implications:

  • CSF eosinophilia is a significant indicator in children with shunts, associated with increased shunt malfunction risk.
  • The presence of eosinophils warrants thorough investigation for infection, particularly P. acnes.
  • Extended anaerobic cultures are recommended for patients with eosinophilia to identify specific pathogens.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

Related Concept Videos

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...
Cerebrospinal Fluid01:21

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless liquid that flows around the brain and the spinal cord, playing a vital role in the protection, support, and overall function of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF production, circulation, and absorption are tightly regulated processes essential for the brain and spinal cord to function properly.
CSF Production
CSF is produced mainly in the choroid plexus, a network of capillaries and ependymal cells located within the ventricular system of the brain.
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
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...
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...