Shunt Nephritis: An Increasingly Unfamiliar Diagnosis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Shunt nephritis is a rare, reversible immune-complex mediated complication of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection that can progress to end-stage renal disease and even death if diagnosis is delayed. CASE DESCRIPTION The present case report details the manifestation and clinical course of shunt nephritis in a 50-year-old patient who presented with symptoms of nephrotic syndrome 30 years after ventriculojugular shunt placement. Diagnosis was delayed due to initial negative CSF and blood cultures, but a later CSF culture was positive for Propionibacterium acnes. After treatment with intravenous antibiotics and complete removal of shunt with subsequent replacement with a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt, the nephritic symptoms resolved, but the patient continued to have reduced kidney function consistent with stage IIIa chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: This case emphasizes the clinical importance of having a high index of suspicion in patients with a ventricular shunt who present with symptoms consistent with nephritis, even in the setting of negative cultures and delayed presentation.