Subdural empyema: a retrospective study of 15 patients

Subdural empyema is a surgical emergency, which, if not recognized and managed promptly, is rapidly fatal. The clinical features, diagnosis, infecting organisms, treatment and results in 15 patients with subdural empyema admitted to the University and Saskatoon City hospitals between 1956 and 1982 are evaluated. There were 11 males and 4 females; 80% were under 50 years of age. Paranasal sinusitis in six patients was the most common cause of the condition. The most frequent presenting features were fever, headache, vomiting, seizures and motor deficit. Preoperative diagnostic methods included skull roentgenography, cerebrospinal fluid studies, electroencephalography, cerebral angiography and computerized tomography. Cultures of the pus were positive for bacteria in 13 of the 15 patients. Drainage of the empyema was accomplished through multiple burr holes, craniotomy and craniectomy. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 15 years. Eleven patients recovered with minimal or no neurologic deficit, 2 patients had permanent major deficits and 2 died. Successful management of subdural empyema depends on early diagnosis, prompt evacuation of the pus and appropriate antibiotic therapy.