A report on pneumonia-induced ventriculitis with intraventricular abscess

To the Editor:Ventriculitis,also known as ependymitis,ventricular empyema,pyocephalus,or pyogenic ventriculitis,is the inflammation of the ependymal lining of the cerebral ventricles.The inflammation of the ventricular drainage system is usually secondary to bacterial infection of the cerebrospinal fluid.The morbidity associated with ventriculitis has been reported in up to 45%of patients.[1]Generally,neurosurgical patients or patients with head trauma are particularly at risk of developing ventriculitis,when these patients are treated with cerebrospinal fluid shunts or drains,implantation of intrathecal infusion pumps,or implantation of deep brain stimulation hardware.[2]Clinically,most patients with ventriculitis present with fever,deterioration of the conscious level,and dysneuria.[3]Delayed in the diagnosis and treatment will lead to severe intracranial infection,serious neurological impairment,and death.Most cases of ventriculitis have been reported in the newborns and infants,with bacteria being the most common pathogens,although several cases of ventriculitis secondary to aspergillus fumigatus infection have been described.