Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 27, 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

11.6K

Cryptococcal Infection of the Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in an Immunocompetent Patient

Kap Sum Foong1, Ashley Lee2, Gustavo Vasquez3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Crozer Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA, USA.

The American Journal of Case Reports
|January 19, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cryptococcal ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) infection is rare but challenging to diagnose. Prompt shunt removal, antifungal treatment, and shunt culture are crucial for effective management of this serious complication.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is a standard treatment for hydrocephalus.
  • Infections of ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) are a known complication.
  • Cryptococcal neoformans is an uncommon pathogen causing VPS infections.

Observation:

  • A 52-year-old male with normal pressure hydrocephalus presented with symptoms of VPS infection.
  • Initial empirical antibiotic treatment was ineffective, and diagnostic tests were inconclusive.
  • Subsequent shunt culture revealed Cryptococcus neoformans, despite prior negative cryptococcal antigen tests.

Findings:

  • Accurate diagnosis of cryptococcal shunt infection can be difficult, with potential for false-negative antigen tests.
  • Shunt fluid culture is essential for identifying Cryptococcus neoformans in suspected cases.
  • The patient experienced rapid symptom resolution after VPS removal, externalized catheter placement, and antifungal therapy.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal shunt infections are critical for patient outcomes.
  • Management requires shunt replacement and intravenous antifungal medication.
  • High clinical suspicion and shunt culture, preferably from the valve, are recommended for early detection.

More Related Videos

Intracranial Orthotopic Allografting of Medulloblastoma Cells in Immunocompromised Mice05:10

Intracranial Orthotopic Allografting of Medulloblastoma Cells in Immunocompromised Mice

Published on: October 3, 2010

12.7K
Concomitant Isolation of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia for Protozoa Parasite Infection09:34

Concomitant Isolation of Primary Astrocytes and Microglia for Protozoa Parasite Infection

Published on: March 18, 2020

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
19
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
2.2K
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
696
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...
44
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.3K
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
2.8K