J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1984 Sep;13(3):529-539.

Subtentorial Empyema: Report of 2 Cases

• Choi CH
• Lee YW

Abstract

Intracranial subdural empyema is a neurosurgical emergency and an unusual condition which carries a serious incidence of mortality and morbidity if untreated. The subdural empyema developes from varied sources, but paranasal sinus, the ear and the mastoid process are predominantly affected and subtentorial empyema usually originates from otogenic intracranial complication. Its manifestations are variable such as impaired consciousness, headache, hemiparesis, acute fits, pyrexia, meningism, vomiting, papilledema. ophthalmoplegia, hemianopsia and dysphasia. Subtentorial empyema has additional cerebellar dysfunction syndromes. Early accurate diagnosis and surgical drainage are the most important factors affecting the prognosis. Recently, we experienced two cases of subtentorial empyema which were very rare otogenic intracranial complications. These patients were treated with suboccipital craniectomy, but reaccumulations of empyema and subsequent cerebellar abscess in one case occurred. Finally these patients were recovered without neurologic deficits. Reviewing our two cases and the literature, we are going to describe about causes, symptoms and signs, method of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of subtentorial empyema.

Keyword

Subtentorial empyema; Suboccipital craniectomy; Otogenic intracranial complication

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Aphasia
Cerebellar Diseases
Consciousness
Diagnosis
Drainage
Ear
Emergencies
Empyema*
Empyema, Subdural
Fever
Headache
Hemianopsia
Humans
Incidence
Mastoid
Meningism
Mortality
Neurologic Manifestations
Ophthalmoplegia
Papilledema
Paresis
Prognosis
Vomiting