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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
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Cryptococcal ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection
Matthew J Viereck1, Nohra Chalouhi1, David I Krieger1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Summary
Late-onset fungal infections of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are rare. This case highlights a Cryptococcus neoformans VP shunt infection occurring over 20 years after placement, challenging typical timelines.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are standard treatment for hydrocephalus.
- Shunt infections are a known complication, but fungal infections are rare.
- Cryptococcus neoformans is an uncommon cause of VP shunt infection.
Observation:
- A patient developed a VP shunt infection.
- The causative organism was identified as Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Infection symptoms appeared over two decades after shunt placement.
Findings:
- This case represents a delayed-onset fungal VP shunt infection.
- Cryptococcus neoformans infection of a VP shunt occurred more than 20 years post-implantation.
- The typical timeframe for shunt infection symptom onset is significantly shorter.
Implications:
- Highlights the possibility of extremely late-onset fungal shunt infections.
- Suggests prolonged vigilance for shunt complications, even decades after placement.
- Underscores the need to consider rare pathogens in persistent or unusual shunt-related symptoms.
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