Effect of Protein Concentration on the Flow of Cerebrospinal Fluid Through Shunt Tubing.

Background: Protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are commonly thought to be related to sterile shunt malfunction.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between protein concentration and flow through CSF shunt tubing and a shunt valve.

Methods: New and explanted shunt catheters were tested with and without a shunt valve attached at various protein concentrations.

Atypical presentation of primary central nervous system non-Hodgkin lymphoma in immunocompetent young adults.

Objective: Primary central nervous system non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PCNSL) is a malignant lymphoma limited to the cranial-spinal axis in the absence of systemic lymphoma. Historically, PCNSL accounts for fewer than 5% of all cases of primary intracranial neoplasms. PCNSL is rare in immunocompetent young adults.

Flow characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid shunt tubing.

Object: Cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems malfunction for a multitude of reasons, including malpostitioning, obstruction of the ventricular or distal catheter, obstruction of the shunt valve, and catheter disruptions or disconnections. The goal of this study was to examine the hydrodynamic resistance and flow in new and explanted catheters and also in catheters with 1 or 2 straight connectors.

Methods: Explanted catheters of multiple lengths, 2-piece catheters, 3-piece catheters, and new catheters were attached to a proximal and distal manometer.