Subdural empyema due to mixed infections successfully treated medically: A case report with review literature

Mostafa Meshref1, Anas Zakarya Nourelden2,3, Alaa Ahmed Elshanbary3,4

  • 1MSc neurology Al-Azhar University Cairo Egypt.

Clinical Case Reports
|July 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

A rare brain infection, subdural empyema, caused an altered conscious level in a 17-year-old. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and steroids led to significant improvement.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Subdural empyema is a rare but serious intracranial infection.
  • It involves the accumulation of purulent material between the dura and arachnoid mater.

Observation:

  • A 17-year-old patient presented with an altered level of consciousness.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count.

Findings:

  • The patient's condition improved significantly following treatment.
  • Treatment included a combination of antiviral (acyclovir), antibiotics (ceftriaxone, vancomycin), and corticosteroids (dexamethasone).

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and multi-drug treatment for subdural empyema.
  • Effective management can lead to favorable outcomes in patients presenting with altered consciousness due to intracranial infections.

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