Beyond infection: Ommaya reservoir-induced vasogenic edema and reversible leukoencephalopathy

Ommaya reservoirs, commonly used in the management of intrathecal chemotherapy, can sometimes lead to complications, including cerebral edema and porencephaly. We present the case of a 65-year-old woman with a suprasellar craniopharyngioma who developed these rare complications after the placement of an Ommaya reservoir. The initial CT and MRI findings revealed a hypodense area in the right frontal lobe along the Ommaya catheter, consistent with a vasogenic edema. Laboratory work-ups, including inflammatory markers, were normal, and the patient did not exhibit fever. This case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of this potential complication when managing patients with Ommaya reservoirs.