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Subdural Empyema

Darrel Weinman1, H H R Samarasinghe1

  • 1*Colombo, Ceylon.

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|January 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Subdural empyema, an infection in the brain, often stems from ear or sinus infections. Early diagnosis and treatment, including surgery and antibiotics, are crucial to reduce the high mortality rate associated with this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Subdural empyema is a significant neurological condition.
  • It frequently arises from otitis media and frontal sinusitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze 47 cases of subdural empyema.
  • To identify common sources, complications, and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case analysis of 47 patients.
  • Diagnostic imaging using percutaneous carotid angiography.
  • Treatment involving surgical evacuation, antibiotics, and nursing care.

Main Results:

  • Otitis media and frontal sinusitis are the most common origins.
  • Complications include thrombophlebitis, meningitis, and abscesses.
  • Mortality rate was 25.5%, often due to delayed referrals and associated infections.

Conclusions:

  • Subdural empyema presents diagnostic challenges.
  • Prompt surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy are vital.
  • Late referral significantly increases mortality due to uncontrollable infections.

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