Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
[Postoperative recurrence of subdural empyema].
Y Romero-Pizarro1, M Muñoz-Algarra, C Fernández-Mateos
1Servicios de Medicina Interna. Hospital Puerta de Hierro. Majadahonda. Madrid.
Neurocirugia (Asturias, Spain)
|July 12, 2011
Summary
Recurrent subdural empyema caused by Proprionibacterium acnes can occur after surgery. Prompt microbiological diagnosis and appropriate sample handling are crucial for effective treatment of these rare central nervous system infections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Subdural empyema is a serious post-surgical complication.
- Proprionibacterium acnes is a skin commensal that can cause opportunistic infections.
- Accurate microbiological diagnosis is essential for guiding treatment.
Observation:
- A case of recurrent subdural empyema caused by P. acnes is presented.
- The initial empyema lacked a microbiological diagnosis.
- P. acnes is a slow-growing, gram-positive anaerobic organism.
Findings:
- P. acnes is the second most common cause of post-surgical CNS infections after Staphylococcus aureus.
- P. acnes demonstrates resistance to metronidazole and sensitivity to penicillin.
- Optimal growth of P. acnes is achieved in anaerobic liquid media.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider P. acnes in postoperative CNS infections.
- Proper sample processing and consultation with microbiology are vital.
- Early identification and targeted antibiotic therapy can improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...