Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse
Published on: May 19, 2015
Case Report: Imaging and pathological features of compartmentalized subdural empyema and pachymeningitis within
Alexander R Chapple1, Vishal D Murthy2, Alli Harju1
1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, UC Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.
Abstract:
A 2-year-old Golden Retriever was presented with progressive intracranial signs. Neurological examination was consistent with multifocal brain disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed encephaloclastic porencephaly lesions, which were worse on the right side, as well as changes within the fluid compartments, including incomplete fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal suppression, ring-like T1-weighted (T1W) contrast enhancement, and increased post-contrast FLAIR hyperintensity without restricted diffusion. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWAN) susceptibility was noted through the septations of the fluid compartments, and significant pachymeningeal and leptomeningeal thickening and contrast enhancement were observed. The changes were consistent with infection of the porencephalic fluid compartment with hydrocephalus ex vacuo. Moderate syringohydromyelia was observed. Intracranial cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected, and analysis showed normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the left side and neutrophilic inflammation consistent with empyema from the right fluid compartment. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient declined neurologically and was euthanized. Necropsy confirmed subdural empyema with pachymeningitis, restricted mainly to the right hemisphere. This report is a novel presentation and description of the imaging and necropsy findings of unilateral subdural empyema within pre-existing encephaloclastic pathology.
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

