Professional
Technical
IVT
Subdural Empyema
Pronunciation: sub-DOO-ral em-py-EE-mah
Collection of infected material in the subdural space, often secondary to sinusitis or otitis media.
Full Definition
Subdural empyema is a neurosurgical emergency involving infected fluid collection between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane. In pediatric patients, it commonly results from extension of paranasal sinusitis, otitis media, or mastoiditis. Symptoms include headache, fever, altered mental status, and focal neurological deficits. The condition requires urgent surgical drainage and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Streptococcus species and anaerobes are frequently implicated organisms.
Usage
Usage note: Requires immediate neurosurgical intervention and prolonged antimicrobial therapy.
In Context
- "CT revealed subdural empyema secondary to frontal sinusitis requiring emergent drainage." — Neurosurgical consultation
- "The patient's deteriorating neurological status prompted urgent evaluation for subdural empyema." — Intensive care unit note
Also known as
subdural abscess
intracranial empyema
Don't confuse with
epidural abscess
brain abscess
bacterial meningitis