Central nervous system (CNS) infections, such as meningoencephalitis caused by A. baumannii, present significant treatment challenges, particularly when complicated by seizures. A notable management challenge in such cases is selecting the most appropriate method for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, between the Ommaya reservoir and the external ventricular drain (EVD). However, there is limited data comparing their efficacy in neonates or infants with CNS infections, especially when further complicated by seizures and pneumonia.

A two-month-old infant was transferred to the High Care Unit (HCU) of Saiful Anwar Hospital from a general ward due to recurrent seizures. The patient had been previously diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus and sacral meningocele. Surgical excision of the meningocele was performed, but unfortunately, it ruptured, most likely leading to an MDR Acinetobacter baumanii infection, which progressed to meningoencephalitis and pneumonia. Intravenous antibiotics were initiated, and an EVD was inserted to manage the hydrocephalus. Initially, the patient responded well, however, the EVD became clogged multiple times, forcing the medical team to switch to an Ommaya reservoir in an effort to reduce infection risk and enable intraventricular antibiotic administration. Unfortunately, the Ommaya reservoir failed to adequately address the elevated intracranial pressure, resulting in a worsening neurological condition. The clinical team decided to revert to EVD treatment to resolve the intracranial pressure and administer antibiotics directly into the ventricles. The latest EVD procedure proved successful, as the patient’s neurological condition began to improve.

This case report highlights the effectiveness of EVD in a meningoencephalitis patient with a history of congenital anomaly in the form of congenital hydrocephalus and meningocele. While the Ommaya reservoir is typically considered advantageous for intraventricular access, in this case, EVD provided better control of intracranial pressure and supported neurological recovery.

Athaya Rahmanardi Muhammad is a 23-year-old medical student currently in his second year at the Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine in 2024 and completed his Master’s degree in Biomedical Science in 2025 from the same university. With seven publications, 14 citations, and an h-index of 2, Athaya has established a strong foundation in academic research at an early stage of his career. His academic and professional interests include biomedical science, neurology and neurosurgery, pediatrics, and toxicological research, showcasing his commitment to advancing medical knowledge through interdisciplinary and translational studies.