Fatal Subdural Empyema Following Pyogenic Meningitis

Abstract

Subdural empyema is a rare form of intracranial sepsis associated with high morbidity and mortality. The most frequent cause is extension of paranasal sinusitis through emissary veins or of mastoiditis through the mucosa, bone, and dura mater. Development of subdural empyema after pyogenic meningitis is known to be very unusual in adults. We report a rare case of fatal subdural empyema, an unusual complication of pyogenic meningitis. Our bitter experience suggests that subdural empyema should be borne in mind in patient with pyogenic meningitis who exhibit neurological deterioration.

Posttraumatic Intracranial Tuberculous Subdural Empyema in a Patient with Skull Fracture

“…Subdural empyema is a rare intracranial infection that usually arises as a complication of meningitis in infants and young children and as a complication of paranasal sinusitis, otitis media, or mastoiditis in older children and adults 3 6 11) . The organism responsible for a subdural empyema depends on the origin of the infection 3) .…”