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Large calcified subdural empyema

S Sarkar1, U Mazumder, D Chowdhury

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. saumitra_nsurg@yahoo.com

Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|May 8, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This case study details a rare instance of chronic calcified subdural empyema in a child, successfully treated with surgery. The condition, presenting as large calcified masses, led to seizures but resolved post-operation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Subdural empyema is an established intracranial infection.
  • Calcified subdural empyema is an exceptionally rare manifestation.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old boy presented with chronic calcified subdural empyema 10 years post-meningitis.
  • The patient experienced frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
  • Imaging revealed a large fronto-temporo-parietal empyema with calcification and ossification.

Findings:

  • Surgical removal of the empyema mass, including its calcified capsule, was performed.
  • Post-operatively, the patient became seizure-free and is managed with sodium valproate.
  • Bacterial cultures from the empyema were sterile.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the unusual presentation of a large, chronic, calcified subdural empyema.
  • Surgical intervention can effectively resolve symptoms associated with such rare conditions.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of calcified subdural empyema may be warranted.

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