Delayed presentation of a penetrating craniocerebral nail injury with the weapon lodged in the ventricle

Introduction: Penetrating craniocerebral injuries presenting with the weapon lodged in the ventricle are uncommon. they are associated with an increased risk of ventriculitis, which can have lethal consequences. case report: We report an unusual case of a 57-year-old female treated for delayed presentation of a penetrating craniocerebral nail injury following an assault. the admission Glasgow coma scale (Gcs) was 14/15. the nail was lodged within the ventricle, requiring emergency removal, which was performed successfully. However, she developed ventriculitis and Escherichia coli was cultured from the cerebrospinal fluid. the Gcs dropped to 8/15 necessitating an urgent ct brain scan, which showed hydrocephalus, requiring insertion of an external ventricular drain. targeted antibiotic therapy was administered. However, she deteriorated further and demised on the fourth day of admission as a result of intracranial sepsis. conclusion: Penetrating craniocerebral nail injury presenting with the weapon lodged in the ventricle requires urgent surgical intervention and targeted antibiotic therapy to ensure a favorable outcome.