Subdural empyema as a rare complication of sinonasal infection: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Subdural empyema is a rare complication that causes high morbidity and mortality following sinusitis. Cranial complications should be considered in patients who develop neurological symptoms. These patients need surgery that should be performed by neurological and ear-nose-throat surgeons working together. A 14-year-old girl developed aphasia and hemiparesis from retrograde thrombophlebitis following sinusitis and we planned a two-stage surgery for the patient. In the first step, we drained the empyema by a craniotomy and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In the second step, we drained a mature abscess. The purpose of this paper is to review the surgical and clinical management of intracranial complications from sinonasal infections.