Title
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infection with Mycobacterium abscessus: A Rare Cause of Ventriculitis
Publication Date
2016
Journal Title
World Neurosurg
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing atypical mycobacterium implicated in chronic lung disease, otitis media, surgical site infections, and disseminated cutaneous diseases. It is typically seen in patients with some degree of immunosuppression. Only 1 previous case has been reported in the setting of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection. We report a case of M abscessus as the causative organism in a VP shunt infection in an immunocompetent adult. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 67-year-old woman required VP shunt placement after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated by hydrocephalus. Her course was complicated by repeat hospitalization for 2 shunt infections, the second of which did not respond to standard antibiotic therapy. Cultures repeatedly grew M abscessus. The patient continued to decline and eventually died after transfer to the palliative care service. CONCLUSIONS: Nontuberculous mycobacteria are rare, atypical organisms in the setting of VP shunt infection. Patients with ventriculitis secondary to atypical mycobacteria may exhibit drug-resistant cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in the face of standard antibiotic regimens.
Volume Number
86
Pages
510.e1–510.e4
Document Type
Article
EPub Date
2015/11/08
Status
Faculty, Northwell Resident
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
Neurosurgery
Additional Departments
Emergency Medicine
PMID
DOI
10.1016/j.wneu.2015.10.068