Sepsis caused by bacterial colonization of migrated distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter into the pulmonary artery: a first case report and literature review.
BACKGROUND Migration of distal ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt catheter into another body part has been described as a potentially serious surgical complication. We present the first case of sepsis caused by transcardial and pulmonary migration of distal catheter into the heart and pulmonary artery, which was subsequently colonized by Klebsiella pneumoniae. CASE REPORT A 56-year-old men underwent VP shunt insertion for hydrocephalus that developed after the surgery for intracranial meningioma. Three years later, he was admitted to Department for Infectious Diseases due to persistent fever. Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from the blood cultures. Computerized tomography (CT) of the thorax showed migration of the distal catheter into the heart and pulmonary artery. The migrated shunt catheter was retrieved without any complication with the assistance of a cardiovascular surgeon; microbiology confirmed that the catheter was colonized with Klebsiella pneumoniae. We decided to delay new VP shunt placement due to positive blood cultures, and 3 weeks after the surgery, patient was without signs of increased intracranial pressure and without any heart problems. CONCLUSION Migration of a distal VP shunt catheter into the heart should be considered in patients with a previously placed VP shunt presenting with cardiopulmonary problems, arrhythmia, and/or fever. Neurosurgeons should be involved as soon as possible, and a multidisciplinary approach is warranted.