Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Visualization of Vascular and Parenchymal Regeneration after 70% Partial Hepatectomy in Normal Mice
Published on: September 13, 2016
Silicone allergy manifestation in pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunting: navigating diagnostic challenges and
Cristian Riffo1, Natalia Rolack2, Daniela Mohor3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco, Araucania, Chile.
Background:
A silicone allergy can significantly impact the efficacy of ventriculoperitoneal shunt devices used in hydrocephalus treatment. Its clinical presentation often resembles infectious ventriculitis, characterized by altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, including low glucose levels, elevated protein concentrations, and increased white blood cell counts predominantly comprising eosinophils.
Observations:
The authors report the case of an 18-month-old male who experienced recurrent shunt malfunction linked to CSF changes indicative of infectious ventriculitis. The patient underwent surgeries for suspected infection management. Notably, he exhibited increased eosinophil counts in both blood and CSF, as well as the development of neoformation tissue. This, along with the absence of microbial infection, indicated silicone hypersensitivity. While navigating medical device scarcity, innovative methods were employed to secure a silicone-free valve, markedly improving the patient's clinical outcome.
Lessons:
Clinicians must be vigilant for silicone allergy in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts, particularly when elevated serum eosinophil counts and negative microbiological tests are present. This rare condition demands a multidisciplinary approach for timely diagnosis and management to reduce morbidity, unnecessary surgeries, and healthcare costs. The limited availability of non-silicone-based shunts further complicates management. This case emphasizes the need for considering silicone allergy in differential diagnoses, especially in pediatric patients. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2474.
More Related Videos
14:59Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
09:15Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training
Published on: February 10, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:23Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...