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Novel Case of Streptococcus Mitis-infected Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Derek B Asserson1, Alexander J Kassicieh2, Desna V Ghatalia2
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Purpose:
Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a common pathology found in neurosurgery. Infected SDH, however, is less common, and reports have typically identified Escherichia coli as the causative organism.
Case Report:
We present here a case of an infected chronic SDH caused by Streptococcus mitis, likely for the first time, following a burn injury in a 40-year-old male patient.
Conclusion:
The workup for infected SDH should now include S. mitis as a possible culprit.
Insights
Infected subdural hematoma (SDH) is rare, with Escherichia coli usually identified. This case highlights Streptococcus mitis as a potential cause of infected SDH, particularly after burn injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a frequent neurosurgical condition.
- Infected SDH is uncommon, with Escherichia coli historically reported as the primary pathogen.
Observation:
- A case of infected chronic SDH in a 40-year-old male is presented.
- The infection was caused by Streptococcus mitis, a novel finding in this context.
- The patient had a preceding burn injury.
Findings:
- This report details the first known case of chronic subdural hematoma infected by Streptococcus mitis.
- The clinical presentation and diagnostic workup are discussed.
Implications:
- The differential diagnosis for infected SDH should be expanded to include Streptococcus mitis.
- This finding may influence diagnostic strategies and treatment protocols for infected SDH.
