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Mixed bacterial subdural empyema complicating subdural peritoneal shunt
Acta Neurochirurgica
|January 1, 1986
Abstract:
Bilateral subdural empyema occurred in a nine-month-old boy with a subdural-peritoneal shunt. Because of the mixed composition of bacterial growths, representative of faecal flora, it is assumed that the infection originated from perforation of the bowel by the distal tip of the shunt catheter, although no abnormal abdominal signs or symptoms were noted.
Insights
A nine-month-old boy developed bilateral subdural empyema despite having a subdural-peritoneal shunt. The infection likely stemmed from bowel perforation by the shunt catheter, indicated by fecal flora in the bacterial growth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Subdural empyema is a serious infection in the brain's subdural space.
- Subdural-peritoneal shunts are used to treat hydrocephalus but can be associated with complications.
- Infections can arise from various sources, including shunt malfunction or contamination.