Non-typhoid Salmonella subdural empyema in children: report of two cases

Subdural empyema caused by Salmonella in childhood is an uncommon condition. The predisposing factors for this condition are not clearly established, especially in young children. Here we present two cases of subdural empyema caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella. Both of the patients suffered prolonged fever without local signs of infection on admission. Subdural empyema was subsequently detected by brain echo and brain computerized tomography (CT) scan in both cases. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study was not done in case one due to prominent mass effect on brain CT; in case two the CSF analysis showed pleocytosis, but CSF bacterial culture was negative. Neither enteritis nor obvious meningeal sign was noted. Both cases responded well to surgical drainage and systemic antibiotics treatment.