Abstract |
We describe the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, management, and outcome of a subdural empyema in a 14-year-old male with history of recent partially treated acute sinusitis. Subdural empyema is a rare but life threatening complication, usually following paranasal sinusitis, otitis media, mastoiditis, cranial surgery, a skull fracture, or from distant spread from sites such as a pulmonary infection. The initial evaluation should include a thorough history and physical examination, complete blood count, electrolytes, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, chest x-ray, urinalysis, and neuroimaging of the brain with intravenous contrast. If a subdural empyema is identified, then intravenous antibiotics should be initiated, and immediate neurosurgical consultation should be obtained to consider operative drainage.
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Authors | Bryan Dunn, Chad McCalla, Brian Hiestand, Mary Claire O'Brien |
Journal | Pediatric emergency care
(Pediatr Emerg Care)
Vol. 29
Issue 12
Pg. 1283-6
(Dec 2013)
ISSN: 1535-1815 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 24300473
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Bacteremia
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Consciousness Disorders
(etiology)
- Diagnostic Errors
- Emergency Service, Hospital
- Empyema, Subdural
(complications, diagnosis, microbiology, therapy)
- Fever
(etiology)
- Frontal Sinusitis
(complications, diagnostic imaging, microbiology)
- Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections
(diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
- Headache
(etiology)
- Hematoma, Subdural
(diagnosis)
- Humans
- Male
- Migraine Disorders
(diagnosis)
- Peptostreptococcus
(isolation & purification)
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
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