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.
Abstract:
Streptococcus anginosus can be frequently isolated from brain abscesses, but is a rare cause of the liver, lung, and deep tissue abscesses. In this report, we present a patient with subdural empyema, brain abscess, and superior sagittal cerebral venous thrombosis as complications of rhinosinusitis whose purulent empyema sample yielded S. anginosus. A 13-year-old female patient was referred to our pediatric intensive care unit with altered mental status, aphasia, and behavioral change. On a brain computed tomography scan, subdural empyema extending from the left frontal sinus to the frontal interhemispheric area and left hemispheric dura was detected. Intravenous ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and metronidazole treatments were started. Subdural empyema was surgically drained. Postoperative brain magnetic resonance venography imaging showed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. Cultures obtained from purulent empyema sample revealed S. anginosus. On the third day of hospitalization, a brain computed tomography scan showed brain edema, especially in the left hemisphere and significantly increased subdural empyema that had been previously drained. She was reoperated and decompressive craniectomy was performed. On the fifth day, partial epileptic seizures occurred. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a brain abscess on the interhemispheric area. The magnetic resonance imaging findings of abscess formation improved on 30th day and she was discharged on the 45th day after the completion of antibiotic therapy.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction


