Ventriculitis (Ependymitis)

Ventriculitis (ependymitis) is inflammation of the ventricular ependyma, most often as a complication of bacterial meningitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, or CSF shunt infection. Clinical: persistent fever, altered mental status, and hydrocephalus, failing to improve despite antibiotics for meningitis. Diagnosis: CSF ventricular sampling/imaging. Treatment: appropriate IV/intrathecal antibiotics and management/revision of infected shunt, plus hydrocephalus control.

Common Symptoms

Persistent fever; altered mental status; hydrocephalus; no improvement despite meningitis antibiotics; shunt/neurosurgery history

Causes and Pathogenesis

Infection from meningitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, or shunt contaminates the ventricular system, causing ependymal inflammation and hydrocephalus.

Treatment

IV/intrathecal antibiotics; shunt removal/revision; hydrocephalus control; supportive care

Preventive Measures

Sterile neurosurgery; prompt meningitis treatment; shunt surveillance.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.