A Pericatheter Abscess Following Acupuncture in a Patient With VP Shunt
10.13004/kjnt.2022.18.e56
- Author:
El KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
2022;18(2):351-356
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We report a rare case of pericatheter abscess formation after scalp acupuncture in a 25-year-old woman who had a history of meningitis and hydrocephalus, which were treated using ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement at the age of 5 years. Prior to the current hospitalization, the patient received acupuncture therapy for a subgaleal hematoma. Clinical and laboratory examinations revealed a retained catheter and an associated abscess in the lateral neck. The abscess was immediately treated with radical debridement, washing of the cavity, and removal of the implant. Culture studies of the pus drainage yielded Staphylococcus aureus. The patient recovered well after active antibiotic treatment. Considering the increasing application of this alternative medicine modality by practitioners, careful interventions are required to minimize acupuncture-related infections and other serious complications.
