J Korean Neurosurg Soc.
2011 Mar;49(3):175-177.
Fatal Subdural Empyema Following Pyogenic Meningitis
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea. ns64902@hanmail.net
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.