Editorial

Exposed CSF Shunts: The Naked Truth about Shunt Infections

Authors: Daniel M. Sciubba, MD

Abstract

In the article entitled, “Long-term air-exposed functioning hydrocephalus valve with no infection,” the authors describe an interesting case of an elderly patient whose ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve has eroded through the skin without a resulting shunt infection or malfunction.1 For any practitioner who takes care of patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts, the very thought of shunt components being exposed to the external environment for fifteen months without significant morbidity arising is somewhat implausible given the relatively high rate of infection and malfunction even in young, healthy patients with no history of wound complications. The authors of this case report fittingly emphasize the rarity of this clinical entity. More importantly, however, they also remind the reader of the serious and often life-threatening difficulties of treating patients with hydrocephalus and indirectly bolster a recently developed therapeutic option for preventing infections in the future.

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