[Sinus infection and diving (a case of cerebral empyema)]

Intracranial complications following swimming or diving accidents are exceptional. A recent observation of a cerebral empyema in a 15-year old boy, with neurological sequellae was an opportunity the clarify the issue. Apart from the rapidity of the neurological signs, two points drew our attention: bacteriology, with a predominance of anaerobic germs; and the problem of therapy, both for the timing of neurosurgery and for the role of anticoagulants in venous thrombosis.