Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Subdural empyema in immunocompetent pediatric patients with recent SARS-CoV-2 positivity: case report
Uğur Yazar1, Zeynep Gökçe Gayretli Aydın2, Ahmet Kağan Özkaya3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey. uguryazar@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
Subdural empyema refers to the collection of purulent material in the subdural space and the most source of it is bacterial meningitis in infants while sinusitis and otitis media in older children. It has been very recently reported that coronaviruses (CoV) exhibit neurotropic properties and may also cause neurological diseases. CoV-related complications as hypercoagulability with thrombosis and associated inflammation, catastrophic cerebral venous sinus thrombose sand bacterial-fungal superinfections have been well documented in adult patients. Hereby, we describe 15-year-old and 12-year-old female children with subdural empyema after SARS-CoV2. The patients presented limitation of eye in the outward gaze, impaired speech, drowsiness, fever, vomiting and they also were tested positive for COVID-19. MRI indicated subdural empyema and surgical interventions were needed to relieve intracranial pressure and drain pus after receiving broad spectrum antibiotics treatments. The microbiological analysis of abscess material revealed Streptococcus constellatus which is extremely rare in an immunocompetent child and the patients received appropriate IV antibiotic therapy. Eventually, patients became neurologically intact. Pediatric patients with CoV infections should be closely monitored for neurological symptoms. Further research and more data on the correlation between CoV infections would provide better recognition and treatment options in an efficient manner in children.
Insights
Pediatric subdural empyema, a rare complication of COVID-19, occurred in two children. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention led to full neurological recovery, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Subdural empyema is a serious infection typically caused by bacterial meningitis or other infections.
- Coronaviruses (CoV), including SARS-CoV-2, are increasingly recognized for their neurotropic potential and association with neurological complications in adults.
- While CoV-related neurological issues are documented in adults, their occurrence in pediatric subdural empyema remains less understood.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients, aged 15 and 12, developed subdural empyema following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Clinical presentation included ophthalmoplegia, aphasia, drowsiness, fever, and vomiting, with positive COVID-19 tests.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed subdural empyema, necessitating surgical intervention for intracranial pressure management and pus drainage.
Findings:
- Microbiological analysis of the empyema revealed Streptococcus constellatus, an uncommon pathogen in immunocompetent children.
- Patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics followed by targeted intravenous antibiotic therapy.
- Both patients achieved complete neurological recovery after treatment.
Implications:
- This case series underscores the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to trigger severe neurological complications like subdural empyema in pediatric patients.
- It emphasizes the importance of close neurological monitoring in children with CoV infections.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the correlation between CoV infections and pediatric neurological diseases for improved recognition and treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
07:30Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
Published on: June 15, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...