Gonococcal ventriculitis associated with ventriculoamniotic shunt placement.

Use of a ventriculoamniotic shunt to control fetal hydrocephalus is a new procedure. Early experience suggests possible benefit to the fetus. Complications have been rare. This report describes the first case of Neisseria gonorrhoeae central nervous system infection associated with a ventriculoamniotic shunt and the third case reported in a neonate. On the basis of this clinical experience, we recommend that the mother be monitored closely for cervical pathogens, that delivery be performed prior to amniorrhexis, and that culturing of the shunt and ventricular fluid be carried out at delivery.