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[Subdural empyema complicating acute frontal sinusitis. Four cases report]
Revue De Laryngologie - Otologie - Rhinologie
|September 27, 2005
Summary
Subdural empyema, a serious complication of sinusitis, requires prompt diagnosis and management. Early intervention involving surgical drainage and antibiotics is crucial for favorable outcomes, though vision loss can occur.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Subdural empyema is a rare but severe intracranial complication of paranasal sinus infections, particularly frontoethmoid sinusitis in children.
- Prompt recognition and management are essential to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.
Observation:
- A case series involving four young males with frontoethmoid sinusitis complicated by subdural empyema.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via CT scans of the brain and sinuses.
- Treatment involved simultaneous surgical drainage of sinuses and intracranial suppuration, coupled with a 4-week course of antibiotics.
Findings:
- Subdural empyema occurred in the temporoparietal or frontal regions, with one case involving an interhemispheric collection.
- Post-operative complications included transient seizures and focal neurological deficits in one patient, which resolved spontaneously.
- While no deaths occurred, two patients experienced vision loss, one bilaterally.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion for intracranial extension of sinusitis is vital, necessitating prompt neuroradiological investigation.
- Multidisciplinary management involving otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons is critical for effective treatment of subdural empyema.
- Despite aggressive treatment, potential for severe sequelae like vision loss underscores the importance of early detection and intervention.