Index
Definition:
Subdural empyema (SDE, by its singles in English) is a rare disease, but it can cause many intracranial infections.
Epidemiology
Subdural Empyemas represent approximately 20-33% of all intracranial infections.
Clinical presentation
The clinical presentation depends to a certain extent on the etiology. The Empiemas result from sinusitis or mastoiditis, often associated with seizures, focal neurological deficits, and a rapid deterioration in the conscious state, progressing from obtundation to coma. Empires that occur secondary to previous trauma or surgery are usually more clinical indole.
Pathology
In the most common scenario, patients develop subdural empyemas due to frontal sinusitis.
There are two putative propagation mechanisms:
- Direct extension
- Indirect: secondary to thrombophlebitis. Direct diffusion due to erosion of the posterior wall of the frontal sinus (the result of a swollen Pott tumor) is relatively uncommon. It is believed that vein thrombophlebitis is the most common cause of spread.
Etiology
- Frontal sinusitis: the great majority
- Mastoiditis / otitis media
- Surgical intervention
- Meningitis
- Trauma
- Existing subdural hematoma
Complications
Complications are relatively common and may be the cause of the infection. They include:
- Cortical venous thrombosis with or without venous infarction
- Cerebritis or brain abscess formation
- Radiographic characteristics
The Subdural Empiemas usually look like subdural hematomas in their form and relationship with sutures and dural reflections. They are traditionally crescent-shaped (compared to epidural empyemas, typically lenticular). A membrane that surrounds intensely and uniformly after giving contrast is usually identified.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The appearance in the MRI is similar to the Computed Tomography, although there is a greater capacity to detect the improvement of the contrast. On the other hand, the collection’s content may show restricted diffusion.
MRI is also more sensitive to complications of subdural empyemas, for example, encephalitis, brain abscess, and venous thrombosis.
Treatment and prognosis
The mortality associated with subdural empyemas now approaches 10%, compared to approximately 15 to 40% in the pre-CT era (Computed Tomography).
