Use of ventriculoperitoneal shunts to treat uncontrollable intracranial hypertension in patients who have cryptococcal meningitis without hydrocephalus.
Between 1997 and 2000, 4 human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients in our institution had cryptococcal meningitis with uncontrollable intracranial hypertension. All 4 patients were treated with antifungal drugs as well as ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts for intracranial hypertension. Neurological deficits that were unresponsive to pharmacologic treatment were resolved by use of the VP shunt. Uncontrollable elevation of intracranial pressure associated with cryptococcal meningitis can be resolved by use of a VP shunt, even when imaging studies do not reveal hydrocephalus.
Liliang
Po-Chou
PC
Departments of 1Neurosurgery and 2Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan. chlu99@ms44.url.com.tw
Liang
Cheng-Loong
CL
Chang
Wen-Neng
WN
Lu
Kang
K
Lu
Cheng-Hsien
CH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology*; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D016919:Meningitis, Cryptococcal / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
D000935:Antifungal Agents