Risk factors for infections related to external ventricular drainage

Summary Background. External ventricular drainage (EVD) is frequently used in neurosurgery for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in patients with raised intracranial pressure. The major complication of this procedure is an EVD-related infection, i.e., meningitis or ventriculitis. The purpose of the present retrospective single centre study is to assess the possible causes of these infections. Patients and methods. Two hundred and twenty-eight patients were included in the period from January 1993 until April 2005. Patient and disease demographics, as well as EVD data, and the occurrence of infection were reviewed, compared, and included in a risk-analysis study. Results. The population’s mean age was 56 ± 15 years and the sexes were equally distributed. Most frequently, the indication for EVD was hydrocephalus due to intraventricular haemorrhage (48.2%). An infection was documented in 23.2% of all patients. Duration of EVD drainage appeared to be a risk factor for infection (>11 days: OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.8–9.2, p = 0.001). CSF sampling frequency was also a significant risk-factor (no sampling: OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.2–0.5, p = 0.003). Conclusions. We found a relatively high percentage of EVD-related infections. After multivariate analysis there appears to be a relation with duration of drainage and frequent CSF sampling. As a result, a new EVD protocol is proposed in our institution that we believe will decrease the number of EVD-related infections to a minimum. Correspondence: Daphna Hoefnagel, Erasmus Medical Centre, Department of Neurosurgery, ‘s Gravendijkwal 230, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.     

Cell index – a new parameter for the early diagnosis of ventriculostomy (external ventricular drainage)-related ventriculitis in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage?

Summary Temporary intraventricular catheters for managing acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by intraventricular haemorrhage carry a high risk of developing ventriculostomy-related ventriculitis (VRV). The aim of this prospective study was to validate a new parameter for the early detection of an intraventricular infection.Methods. Patients with external ventricular drainage due to intraventricular haemorrhage were enrolled in this prospective study. Leucocytes and erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood as well as bacteriological and chemical analysis of both were examined daily. The ratio of leucocytes to erythrocytes in CSF and leucocytes to erythrocytes in peripheral blood was calculated (so called cell index (CI)) and these values were compared with the conventionally diagnosed drain-associated ventriculitis. Furthermore, the CI values of the non-ventriculitis and ventriculitis group were compared using the t-test with adjustment for unequal variances (Welch test).Results. Thirteen patients with an external ventricular drainage (EVD) expected to be in place for more than seven days were enrolled. Seven patients developed a bacteriologically proven VRV (time 0) within 12 days (mean 8.57). Diagnosis of VRV by CI was possible up to 3 days (mean 2.28) prior to conventional diagnosis. P values (Welch test) showed a significant difference on days –3 (P=0.03), –2 (P=0.03) and –1 (P=0.012) – i.e. 3, 2 or 1 day, respectively, prior to the time point when the CSF culture grew staphylococci –, when compared with the mean cell indices of the controls, and a highly significant difference on time 0 (P<0.001).Conclusion. The calculated CI allows the diagnosis of nosocomial VRV in patients with intraventricular haemorrhage at a very early point of time.     

Multiloculated hydrocephalus related to cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection

Summary This study is an attempt to establish that CSF shunt infection has a role in the aetiology of multiloculated hydrocephalus. The authors carried out a review of 12 cases of multiloculated hydrocephalus who were treated at King Khalid University Hospital between 1988–1994. The multiloculation appears to have developed following the shunt infection in all cases. The hydrocephalus was related to an intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in 9 patients and was congenital in 2 patients and post-meningitic in 1 patient. The shunt infection was caused by a gram-negative organism in 8 patients and duration of external ventricular drainage ranged from 9–24 (median 13) days. The diagnosis of multiloculated hydrocephalus was made on average 2 months after the shunt infection. In three patients endoscopic fenestration of intraventricular septations was attempted but was effective in only one case. The other patients were managed by two shunts (9 patients) and three shunts (2 patients). At a mean follow-up of 15 months, the shunt revision rate of the patients was 0.4/year. One patient died of multiple brain abscesses and 6 patients remain severely disabled. The poor outcome may also be related to the original IVH as well as the multiloculated hydrocephalus.The study also shows that patients with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus, who develop a shunt infection due to gram-negative organisms and in whom the CSF fails to be cleared of the infection following 12 days of external drainage appear to be at risk of developing multiloculated hydrocephalus.     

Influence of aneurysm location on the development of chronic hydrocephalus following SAH

Summary The incidence of chronic hydrocephalus was analysed in a series of 204 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Its development was significantly related to the quantity of subarachnoid blood, but even more to the location of the haemorrhage and to the aneurysm site. Hydrocephalus was more frequent in patients under poor initial condition. Whereas intracerebral haemorrhage did not increase the risk of chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resorption disturbances, patients with intraventricular haemorrhage or voluminous haemorrhage in the basal cisterns have a significantly higher risk of such a complication. In this series 30 (15%) patients developed chronic hydrocephalus and required shunting. Surprisingly, in our series a shunt wasnever needed in patients with aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). SAH from an aneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) also never caused a shunt-dependent hydrocephalus except in cases with accompanying intraventricular haemorrhage. The percentage of chronic hydrocephalus was relatively high (19%) in patients with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms but definitely highest in patients with an aneurysm of the vertebrobasilar (VB) system (53%).     

Four-Year Experience with the Routine use of the Programmable Hakim Valve in the Management of Children with Hydrocephalus

Summary  Objective. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) over- and underdrainage symptoms are frequent sequelae of shunt placement in patients with hydrocephalus, sometimes requiring repeated operations. To achieve more adequate CSF drainage, the non-invasively programmable Hakim valve has been developed. Because the clinical experiences with this valve so far are confined to adults, we describe our experiences with the routine use of the programmable Hakim valve in childhood hydrocephalus.  Method. Sixty children (mean age of 3.4 years) with hydrocephalus of various aetiologies have been shunted with the programmable Hakim valve. In the majority of cases, initial opening pressures of between 100 and 120 mm H₂O were selected. The mean follow-up period was 2.1 years.  Results. Thirty-three readjustment of the pressure setting of the valve were performed in 20 children because of CSF overdrainage (low intracranial pressure syndrome n=13, slit ventricle syndrome n=2, hygroma n=1), CSF underdrainage (n=3) and CSF leakage through the operation wound (n=1). The symptoms of inadequate CSF drainage were cured in 18 of the 20 children. The necessity for valve readjustments was independend of the aetiology of the hydrocephalus. Thirty-one complications requiring repeated operation occurred during the follow-up period, accounting for an annual complication rate of 24.6%. Three complications were valve-related.  Conclusion. In the majority of cases, the programmable Hakim valve allows the successful management of symptoms related to CSF over- and underdrainage by non-invasive change of the initial pressure setting of the valve. Therefore, the programmable Hakim valve should be considered as an alternative to non-programmable valves of advanced design.     

Posterior-Fossa Haemorrhage After Supratentorial Surgery – Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Summary  We present clinical details of three patients with posterior fossa haemorrhage after supratentorial surgery and discuss possible pathomechanisms of this rare complication. All patients were males of advanced age. Two patients presented with a history of hypertension. In all patients the occurence of haemorrhage was associated with loss/removal of large amounts of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) either intra-operatively (one patient undergoing aneurysm surgery) or postoperatively (all three patients: drainage of subdural hygromas or chronic subdural haematomas in two, external ventricular drainage in one patient). Treatment consisted in haematoma evacuation and/or external ventricular drainage. Two patients died, one patient recovered completely.  Although haematomas distant from a craniotomy site are a well known entity, a review of the literature identified only 25 published cases of posterior fossa haemorrhage after supratentorial procedures in the CT era. Most often disturbances of coagulation, positioning of the patient and episodes of hypertension have been associated with this complication. Only one author described the occurence of a haemorrhage after drainige of a supratentorial hygroma. We suggest that the loss of large amounts of CSF intra-operatively and postoperatively may lead to parenchymal shifts or a critical increase of transmural venous pressure with subsequent vascular disruption and haemorrhage.     

Central Neurocytoma: 2 Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Summary  Central neurocytoma is a rare benign tumor of the central nervous system occuring in young adults and typically located in the ventricles. The tumor is composed of small round cells with neuronal differentiation and has a favourable prognosis. We report two cases of giant central neurocytomas with a triventricular extension in two young women.  The first case concerned a 26 years old righthanded woman in whom an intraventricular mass was discovered, after a car accident with head trauma. Skull radiography showed an enlargment of the sella turcica. A CT scan performed in order to examine the pituitary gland revealed a voluminous and heterogenous intraventricular tumor with calcification.  The second case concerned a 26 years old righthanded woman, presenting with a 4 Glasgow Coma Scale Score preceded by an acute onset of headache with projectile vomiting. A CT scan performed in emergency revealed a voluminous intraventricular mass with significant hydrocephalus.  We review the different pathological and topographical patterns of previously published neurocytomas and discuss surgical management, effectiveness of radiation therapy and biological behavior.     

Efficacy of Lumbo-Peritoneal Versus Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunting for Management of Chronic Hydrocephalus Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Summary ? Background. The clinical usefulness of lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts in selecting patients with communicating hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) was compared with that of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts.  Method. Chronic hydrocephalus was defined as clinically and radiographically demonstrated hydrocephalus which lasted 3 weeks or longer after the original haemorrhage and which required shunting. Indications for a CSF shunt were assessed on the basis of neurological symptoms and signs, CT findings, and isotope cisternogram findings. The patients were treated with either LP or VP shunts. A significant response to shunting was defined as an improvement of function to a higher grade. The functioning of the shunt was evaluated by the location of the catheter on x-ray studies, CT features, and isotope cisternograms. The operation groups were checked for comparability of demographic and clinical variables including age, Fisher grade, hypertension, vasospasm, shunt interval, preshunt functional grade, and CT findings. A comparative analysis of the outcome was carried out between the two operation groups.  Findings. Fifty-six patients underwent shunt placements (LP shunts: 22, VP shunts with medium pressure valve: 2, VP shunts with high pressure valve: 32). There was no statistically significant difference in patient demographics and clinical characteristics between the patients with LP shunts and those with VP shunts. A follow-up time of 3 months to 8 years revealed clinical improvement in 11 cases (50.0%) of patients with LP shunts and 31 cases (91.1%) in VP shunts was seen (Fisher's exact test, P<0.005).  Interpretation. These findings suggest that VP shunts are a better choice of treatment than LP shunts in treating chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal SAH.     

Persistent and intractable ventriculitis due to retained ventricular catheters

It is generally recommended that, in cases of difficulty in removing a ventricular catheter during a shunt revision, it is best left alone to avoid intraventricular haemorrhage. Retained ventricular catheters (RVCs) are usually safe, although in the presence of ventriculitis they may become colonized by organisms and become a source of persistent or recurrent infection. The authors present a case of persistent and intractable ventriculitis due to an old retained ventricular catheter. A 23-year-old female, who had a RVC and a functioning shunt, was admitted for a suspected blocked shunt. At surgery the shunt was found to be infected and external drainage was instituted. Over the next 4 months, she developed intractable and persistent staphylococcal ventriculitis, despite undergoing 10 further surgical procedures, and appropriate intravenous and intrathecal antibiotic therapy. She responded rapidly only after surgical removal of the old RVC via a craniotomy. The staphylococcus cultured from the RVC had an identical antibiogram to the organism responsible for the intractable ventriculitis. This case emphasizes the point that, although RVC are generally considered safe, removal becomes imperative in the presence of concurrent CSF infection that fails to respond quickly to intrathecal antibiotic therapy.     

Delayed Hydrocephalus after Resection of Supratentorial Malignant Gliomas

Summary. Summary.   Background: To report our experience with 12 patients who developed delayed hydrocephalus after resection of supratentorial malignant gliomas.   Method: The charts of all affected patients were analysed retrospectively for clinical presentation, time interval between initial operation and occurrence of hydrocephalus, neuroradiological findings, constituents of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), surgical treatment, and outcome.   Findings: After initial good recovery following tumour resection all patients deteriorated secondarily due to development of hydrocephalus which was not encountered in the first postoperative CT-scans. Incidence is 3.4% overall and is 8.3% if exclusively calculated for frontal gliomas but increases to 15.2% if specified for patients with ventricular entry during tumour resection. Development of hydrocephalus is suggested to be due to proteinic precipitation since analysis of CSF revealed marked elevation of proteins in all patients. Whereas shunting of mere hydrocephalus yields satisfactory results outcome in cases of multiloculated hydrocephalus necessitating placement of multiple catheters is questionable.   Interpretation: Development of hydrocephalus after resection of malignant gliomas is not rare. It should be considered in patients with delayed deterioration after initial improvement. Outcome in relation to hydrocephalus is favourable in cases of mere communicating hydrocephalus, occurrence of multiloculated hydrocephalus, however, heralds a poor prognosis.     

Percutaneous needle trephination for external CSF drainage: experience with 226 punctures

We report on our experience with 226 percutaneous needle trephinations in a total of 192 consecutive patients. Trephination was performed with a hand-driven drill. A special puncture needle was inserted into the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The main indication for this procedure was the treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus in an emergency. Duration of drainage ranged from 1 to 34 days and was 7 days on the average. We encountered 14 cases of infection (6.2%) and one case of symptomatic bleeding (0.4%). All these complications eventually resolved without permanent sequelae. In our opinion, ventricle puncture with this device is a simple and effective method and can especially be recommended for external CSF drainage in cases of emergency.     

Cerebrospinal fluid production in subarachnoid haemorrhage

Eight patients with subarachnoid and/or intraventricular haemorrhage underwent continuous extraventricular drainage and cerebrospinal fluid production was estimated by modified open drainage. The patients were in Hunt & Hess grades 2-5 on admission. Drainage was instituted within 24 h after the last bleeding episode in seven patients and the duration of drainage was 3-37 days. The median amount of CSF that was drained in 24 h was 210 ml. CSF production rate was 0.10-0.55 ml/min (median 0.28 ml/min) and there was a great variation within as well as between patients. Thus there was a trend towards a reduction in CSF production compared to reported normal values for CSF production. Three of six surviving patients required a shunt. The possible role of reduction in CSF production rate in the modification of intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus after subarachnoid haemorrhage is discussed.     

Non-obstructive hydrocephalus associated with intracranial schwannomas: hyperproteinorrhachia as an etiopathological factor?

Summary.  Background: This series illustrates the association of communicating hydrocephalus with intracranial non-obstructive schwannomas. This association has commonly been observed, however it has only been reported once previously. Moreover, in all the patients we present, hyperproteinorrhachia was a common denominator. This finding may therefore be the underlying mechanism for hydrocephalus.  Method and findings: Seven patients presenting with intracranial schwannomas along with non-obstructive hydrocephalus and hyperproteinorrhachia are reported. Six had a vestibular schwannoma and presented with a unilateral deafness and various degrees of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and neuropsychological impairment. Due to their advanced ages, these patients underwent a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, and their symptoms related to hydrocephalus resolved.  One patient that suffered from hemifacial dysesthesia and memory deficits presented with a non-obstructive trigeminal schwannoma. In this case the tumour was removed and the hydrocephalus was consequently reversed, and the CSF protein content normalized.  Interpretation: The constant finding of hyperproteinorrhachia in all these patients suggests that a high CSF protein content may be the underlying cause of hydrocephalus through a speculative mechanism of decreased CSF resorption. Published online January 14, 2003  Correspondence: Jocelyne Bloch, Service de Neurochirurgie, BH-13, 1011 Lausanne CHUV, Switzerland.     

A flexible metal ventricular catheter for treatment of complicated and protracted infections of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces: Preliminary experiences

Summary In the management of shunt infection, the use of ventricular catheters made of silicone rubber for the temporary external drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is general practice. However, the eradication of the primary source of infection may be hindered by the affinity of bacteria to silicone-based material. Compared to silicone catheters, a metal drainage device for temporary ventriculostomy appears to offer more favourable conditions for successful eradication of the infection. Since metal needles cannot be implanted permanently and since their screw-type fixation precludes attachment to the skulls of infants or small children, we developed a flexible metal catheter. This catheter was used exclusively for the treatment of particularly serious or chronic infections of the CSF spaces. The catheter is made of implantation steel and consists of a corrugated tube that renders it flexible. Cerebrospinal fluid drains into a receptable bulb at the tip of the tube. Tubing of other materials may be connected to the end of the metal catheter for either external or internal drainage. It was implanted as a temporary and later permanent CSF drainage in 7 male patients aged from 4 to 60 years, who suffered from chronic, recurrent ventriculitis (n = 5) with an average of 7 previous surgical revisions, as well as from complex infections (n = 2; basal tuberculous meningitis, brain abscess). The infections were successfully eliminated in 6 patients. In the remaining patient, the metal catheter for external ventriculostomy had to be removed after 4 days due a leakage of CSF; it was replaced by a silicone catheter and later on by a needle drainage. Other complications, such as secondary infection or intracerebral haemorrhage, did not occur. The average duration of external CSF drainage via the flexible metal catheter was 27 days (range 4–50 days). In 4 patients, the CSF drainage was converted to a permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt using a new flexible metal catheter. At the time of post-operative follow-up examination (average = 34 weeks), all shunts were functioning and there was no evidence of infection. In cases of especially complicated and protracted CSF infections, the flexible metal ventricular catheter is a promising device for treatment.     

Late hydrocephalus in a case of wandering bullet into the pineal region

Summary.  We report a patient in whom a bullet in the brain migrated into the pineal region causing hydrocephalus 3 months later. In patients undergoing surgical removal of intracerebral or intraventricular bullets, it is recommended to obtain an x-ray or CT scan on the day of operation. Late hydrocephalus may occur several months after migration of the bullet due to scar tissue. Published online January 14, 2003  Correspondence: Dr. Uta Schick, Clinic of Neurological Surgery, Wedau Klinikum Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany.     

A study on the efficacy of intraventricular urokinase in the treatment of intraventricular haemorrhage

Twenty-one patients with intraventricular haemorrhage were randomized to two treatment groups. Both groups had bilateral external ventricular drains inserted, but only the treatment group received 50,000 IU urokinase instilled into the ventricles. The clinical and radiological progress, and 1- and 6-month outcomes were compared. The group that received urokinase treatment was shown to have an improved outcome, with a lower mortality and a lower incidence of hydrocephalus requiring shunt insertion. No haemorrhagic complications were seen in either group, although the treatment group had a slightly increased rate of drain-related ventriculitis.     

Perioperative external ventricular drainage in obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to infratentorial brain tumours

Summary Of 148 patients with infratentorial brain tumours which were operated upon during a 5 year period, 59 patients had associated obstructive hydrocephalus, as evidenced by preoperative CT scan. External ventricular drainage was performed in these cases at time of surgery. CSF drainage was continued in the postoperative period for a mean of 2.3 (± 1.6) days. Only 6 of these 59 patients (10%) required a subsequent indwelling shunt. The infection rate was 10% and the total mortality was 8%. Perioperative ventricular drainage during and following the removal of posterior fossa tumours causing hydrocephalus provides an effective alternative to the preoperative placement of an indwelling shunt. Problems of shunt dysfunction, tumour seeding and upward herniation are thereby avoided. Post-operative ICP monitoring and drainage of blood and debris laden CSF is performed, increasing the safety of the postoperative period and possibly reducing the incidence of aspetic meningitis and post-operative shunt requirement.     

Third ventriculocisternostomy in cerebellar haematomas

Summary. Summary.   Background: We prospectively evaluated the role of endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy in the management of acute obstructive hydrocephalus created by cerebellar hematomas.   Method: Following a therapeutic diagram based on clinical and radiological signs, endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy was used to treat hydrocephalus associated with cerebellar hematomas in 8 patients (male: 5, female: 3, mean age: 67 years-old). Causes of cerebellar hemorrhage were spontaneous in 6 cases, traumatic in 1 case, and acute bleeding of a posterior fossa tumor (lung metastasis) in the remaining case. Deeply comatose patients (Glasgow Coma Score between 3 and 5) and patients with signs of brainstem compression were initially excluded from this study.   Findings: Overall clinical improvement after third ventriculocisternostomy was achieved in all patients and was associated with the decrease of the ventricle size on follow-up CT scans. One patient who initially had a clot evacuation associated with an external ventricular drainage and persistant hydrocephalus had a successful third ventriculocisternostomy in the post operative course. No complication related to the procedure was noted.   Interpretation: In selected patients, third ventriculocisternostomy can be used to treat hydrocephalus associated with posterior fossa hematomas.     

Multidrug-resistant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acinetobacter baumannii</Emphasis> ventriculitis: successful treatment with intraventricular colistin

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen that can cause a multitude of severe infections. In neurosurgical patients the usual presentation is ventriculitis associated with external ventricular drainage. Carbapenems have been considered the gold standard for the treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii ventriculitis, but resistant isolates are increasing worldwide, reducing the therapeutic options. In many cases polymyxins are the only possible alternative, but their poor blood–brain barrier penetration could require them to be directly administered intraventricularly and clinical experience with this route is limited. We review the literature concerning intraventricular use of colistin (polymyxin E) for A. baumannii ventriculitis and add three cases successfully treated with this method. Our experience suggests that intraventricular colistin is a potentially effective and safe therapy for the treatment of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii central nervous system infections.     

Percutaneous needle trephination. Experience in 200 cases

Summary For many years percutaneous needle and classic burr-hole trephination with insertion of plastic catheters for external ventricular drainage are in use. The shortcomings of the conventional puncture needles were compensated for by the development of a modified instrument in recent years.In this prospective study we tried to define advantages and disadvantages of percutaneous ventriculostomy with this modified needle in a large number of patients. We treated and followed a total number of 200 patients with external ventricular drainage for various reasons (42% obstructive hydrocephalus, 27% haematocephalus, 11% malresorptive hydrocephalus, 11% elevated ICP and 9% infections). The ventriculostomy is performed — after percutaneous trepheication with a 1.5 mm drill and 1.2 mm needle under the local aesthesia as a bedside procedure. The modified blunt needle is provided with markings and a set screw which allows insertion to a prefixed depth and a sharp guide which is withdrawn after penetration of the dura. It is then bent rostrally and fixed by a plaster cast. The mean duration of drainage was 9 days (1–30 days). Mean operating time for the whole procedure including fixation and connection to the drainage system was 20 minutes. Overall complication rate was 13% (N=26). Two intracerebral haemorrhages (1%) occurred, of which one was caused by overdrainage. Five (3%) infections in primarily not infectious cases (N=182) were seen. Only one case of infection occurred without loosing of the needle on day 17. In 19 patients (10%) the needles had loosened. Fifteen times this complication was repaired in time and no infection occurred. The overall complication rate (13%) and the needle related risk of bleeding (0.5%) seem average. The true risk of infection with correct handling (0.5%) is very low despite the very long average duration of drainage. The main risk lies in the markedly high danger of loosening (10%), which entails a disproportionally high demand for nursing care. Nevertheless, we regard percutaneous needle trephination as the ventriculostomy method of choice because of its better practicability and low infection rate.