Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

[Subdural empyema due to gemella morbillorum as a complication of acute sinusitis]

Leonor Reis Boto1, Cláudia Calado, Marisa Vieira

  • 1Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, Departamento da Criança e da Família, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon.

Acta Medica Portuguesa
|October 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Subdural empyema, a serious brain infection, can arise from untreated sinusitis. This case highlights Gemella morbillorum

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Subdural empyema is a severe intracranial infection often arising as a complication of acute sinusitis.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are critical due to the potential for rapid neurological deterioration.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 10-year-old girl developed subdural empyema caused by Gemella morbillorum following untreated maxillary, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal sinusitis.
  • Despite initial surgical drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics, she experienced complications including frontal cerebritis and intracranial hypertension.

Findings:

  • Gemella morbillorum, typically considered low virulence, was identified as the causative agent of the central nervous system infection.
  • Aggressive management, including decompressive craniectomy, was necessary to address refractory intracranial hypertension and associated complications.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of recognizing and treating sinusitis complications promptly to prevent severe neurological sequelae.
  • Early and aggressive multimodal treatment, encompassing surgical intervention and antibiotics, is crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric subdural empyema.
  • The increasing association of Gemella morbillorum with central nervous system infections warrants consideration in the differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis and brain abscesses.

More Related Videos

Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection04:04

Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection

Published on: August 15, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain 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,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial 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...