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Pediatric Intrafalcine Empyema from a Sinogenic Origin: A Case Report
1Neurosurgery, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital.
Insights
Pediatric sinusitis and otitis can lead to dangerous intracranial infections. We present the first case of intrafalcine empyema, a rare infection of the dura mater, originating from sinogenic spread.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Sinusitis and otitis are common pediatric infections.
- Untreated infections can spread intracranially, causing severe morbidity and mortality.
Observation:
- A rare case of intrafalcine empyema was observed.
- The empyema was likely caused by sinogenic spread.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of intrafalcine empyema without subdural purulence.
- The findings highlight a novel pathological entity and surgical considerations.
Implications:
- This case expands understanding of intracranial infections from sinogenic sources.
- It emphasizes the need for tailored surgical approaches for intrafalcine collections.
Abstract:
Sinusitis and otitis are common within the pediatric population. If left untreated, these can extend intracranially and lead to the development of infections in the various intracranial compartments resulting in a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We report the first case of an intrafalcine empyema, absent subdural purulence, in a patient with the likely spread from a sinogenic origin. This case illustrates the novelty of this as a pathological entity as well as the surgical considerations for intrafalcine purulence in the absence of expected subdural collections.
