Subdural empyema, brain abscess, and superior sagittal sinus venous thrombosis secondary to Streptococcus anginosus

Osman Yeşilbaş1, Irmak Tahaoğlu2, Can Yılmaz Yozgat3

  • 1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.

Insights

Streptococcus anginosus is a rare cause of deep tissue abscesses. This case highlights its role in a pediatric patient with subdural empyema, brain abscess, and cerebral venous thrombosis originating from rhinosinusitis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Streptococcus anginosus is typically associated with brain abscesses but rarely causes other deep tissue infections.
  • Rhinosinusitis can lead to severe intracranial complications.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old female presented with altered mental status, aphasia, and behavioral changes secondary to rhinosinusitis.
  • Imaging revealed subdural empyema, brain abscess, and superior sagittal cerebral venous thrombosis.

Findings:

  • Cultures from the purulent empyema sample identified Streptococcus anginosus.
  • The patient required surgical drainage, decompressive craniectomy, and extensive antibiotic therapy.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated improvement of abscess formation by day 30.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for Streptococcus anginosus to cause severe, multifocal intracranial infections.
  • Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial for favorable outcomes in complex pediatric CNS infections.
  • Rhinosinusitis should be considered a potential source for serious neurological complications.

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