Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia associated with intraventricular shunts
Sofia Bezerra1, Thomas More Frigeri, Carlos Marcelo Severo
1Grupo de Parasitologia Biomédica da PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, 90690 900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|April 16, 2011
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia (CSF-eo) can indicate shunt malfunction in hydrocephalus patients. Early detection of CSF-eo aids in identifying infection or hypersensitivity reactions, guiding timely treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia (CSF-eo) is a rare condition, often linked to helminthic infections.
- Approximately 30% of patients with intraventricular shunt malfunctions exhibit CSF-eo.
- This abstract reviews conditions associated with CSF-eo and discusses prophylaxis strategies.
Observation:
- A case report details an 8-year-old boy with hydrocephalus and recurrent shunt malfunctions.
- During shunt revision, transient CSF-eo (30%) was observed alongside Staphylococcus epidermidis infection and vancomycin treatment.
- CSF-eo resolved after shunt replacement and antibiotic therapy, correlating with clinical improvement.
Findings:
- CSF-eo is a transient event often associated with shunt malfunction, infection (e.g., S. epidermidis, P. acnes), foreign material reactions, or obstruction.
- Allergies to shunt materials like silicone can also trigger CSF-eo.
- CSF-eo serves as a valuable indicator for shunt malfunction, hypersensitivity reactions, or bacterial infections.
Implications:
- Detecting CSF-eo prompts investigation into shunt integrity and potential complications.
- Highlights the need for improved biocompatibility of neurosurgical shunt hardware.
- Recommends strategies to prevent shunt malfunction and manage associated conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cerebral 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...
01:19Cerebral 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...
01:21Cerebrospinal 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.
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.
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:19Encephalitis 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...
01:26Brain 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,...