Recurrent Abdominal CSF Pseudocyst and Shunt Infection with Ventriculitis in a Patient with Multiple Shunt Revisions for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Start Date

17-4-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

17-4-2026 2:30 PM

Description

We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with a complex neurosurgical history, including multiple shunt revisions for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), who developed recurrent abdominal pain, headache, and new loculated intra-abdominal fluid collections following a recent distal ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt revision. Despite no systemic signs of infection, a shunt tap ultimately revealed gram-positive bacilli, and was diagnosed with ventriculitis. This case highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocysts and shunt infections in patients with multiple prior shunt interventions.

Embargo Period

5-21-2026

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COinS
 
Apr 17th, 1:30 PM Apr 17th, 2:30 PM

Recurrent Abdominal CSF Pseudocyst and Shunt Infection with Ventriculitis in a Patient with Multiple Shunt Revisions for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Philadelphia, PA

We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with a complex neurosurgical history, including multiple shunt revisions for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri), who developed recurrent abdominal pain, headache, and new loculated intra-abdominal fluid collections following a recent distal ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt revision. Despite no systemic signs of infection, a shunt tap ultimately revealed gram-positive bacilli, and was diagnosed with ventriculitis. This case highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocysts and shunt infections in patients with multiple prior shunt interventions.