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Accessing the Subdural Space of the Rodent Spinal Cord for Treatment Delivery
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Published on: August 8, 2025

Cranial and spinal subdural empyema.

Pasquale De Bonis1, Carmelo Anile, Angelo Pompucci

  • 1Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University School of Medicine, l.go A. Gemelli, Rome 8 00168, Italy.

British Journal of Neurosurgery
|June 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Subdural empyema, a rare infection between the dura and arachnoid, can occur in the brain or spine. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize neurological damage and improve outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Subdural empyema is a serious infection loculated between the dura and arachnoid mater.
  • While typically intracranial, spinal subdural empyema is a rare but significant clinical entity.
  • Neurological sequelae are common, underscoring the need for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and symptoms of both cranial and spinal subdural empyema.
  • To highlight the critical relationship between diagnostic/therapeutic delays and patient morbidity/mortality.
  • To discuss management challenges, particularly in cases of extensive central nervous system involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing data on subdural empyema.
  • Comparative analysis of intracranial versus spinal subdural empyema characteristics.
  • Discussion of treatment strategies based on clinical presentation and extent of CNS involvement.

Main Results:

  • Subdural empyema presents distinct epidemiological and etiological profiles for cranial and spinal forms.
  • Delay in diagnosis and treatment directly correlates with increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Brain and spinal subdural empyema are not always distinct entities, requiring individualized management.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are paramount for improving outcomes in subdural empyema.
  • Management strategies must be tailored to individual patient cases, especially those with extensive central nervous system compromise.
  • Despite advances, subdural empyema remains a challenging condition with a significant risk of neurological sequelae.