Non-functioning ventricular catheter as a cause of brain abscess in a child: case report

Introduction. The occurrence of a brain abscess caused by a non-functioning ventricular catheter is a rare complication. This approach can be considered a preventive measure for the occurrence of infectious complications. Klebsiella pneumoniae, as an etiological factor in the occurrence of brain abscess, is relatively rare according to literature.

Aim. To present our experience of treating a child with hydrocephalus who developed a brain abscess caused by a nonfunctioning ventricular catheter.

Materials and methods. The material for the study was the clinical history of a 4-year-old patient with a brain abscess caused by a non-functioning ventricular catheter left after the replacement of the shunt system.

Results. The prevention of such a complication is the complete removal of the elements of the ventriculoperitoneal shunting during its replacement. When an abscess is formed, the most appropriate method is its open removal along with a non-functioning catheter, since this allows the pathological focus to be sanitized as much as possible. This approach can be considered a preventive measure for the occurrence of infectious complications in the future. If a condition occurs when there is a combination of a brain abscess against the background of a non-functioning catheter, SPS and there are no inflammatory changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, it is advisable to remove the brain abscess along with the capsule and catheter, as well as removing the peritoneal catheter from the abdominal cavity. This tactic is also justified when the total removal of the abscess capsule is impossible, or there are already inflammatory changes in the cerebrospinal fluid and it is necessary to sanitize it.

Of great clinical interest is also the study of the microbiological aspects of this pathology. Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was isolated during a microbiological study in this clinical example, as an etiological factor in the occurrence of a brain abscess, is rare according to the literature.

Conclusion. The problem of the occurrence and treatment of infectious complications after liquor-reshunting operations during hydrocephalus is an urgent task in neurosurgery. Based on the analysis of the literature, it can be said that the rarity of publications on this topic makes even individual reports relevant, and today there is no way to propose a specific strategy for a non-functioning ventricular catheter.

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