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Chronic calcified subdural empyema occurring 46 years after surgery

Wojciech Kaspera1, Grazyna Bierzyńska-Macyszyn, Henryk Majchrzak

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland. wkaspera@wss5.pl

Neuropathology : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Neuropathology
|April 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of chronic calcified subdural empyema developed 46 years after initial treatment for acute subdural empyema. Surgical removal led to reduced epileptic seizures and improved mental function.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Subdural empyema, a serious intracranial infection, can arise from otitis media complications.
  • Chronic sequelae, such as calcified subdural empyema, are exceptionally rare, particularly with such a long latency period.

Observation:

  • A 47-year-old female presented with chronic epilepsy and mental decline.
  • Imaging revealed a large, calcified subdural empyema with ossified capsule, 46 years post-initial otitis media treatment and acute subdural empyema removal.

Findings:

  • Surgical excision of the chronic calcified subdural empyema was performed via frontotemporoparietal craniotomy.
  • The removed empyema was sterile, containing uncharacteristic tissue fragments and a calcified/ossified capsule.

Implications:

  • Successful surgical intervention for late-onset chronic calcified subdural empyema can alleviate neurological deficits.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare, long-term complications of intracranial infections.

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