Subdural empyema is a life-threatening complication of paranasal sinusitis, otitis media, or mastoiditis . It usually happens in children and young adult but rare in older persons. Typicallly they will present with fever and headache initially and as the infection progresses and causes increase intracranial pressure, neurological symptoms can occur.
Patients who present with symptoms consistent with subdural empyema should examined thoroughly . Complete blood count show an increase in white blood cells and ESR may be elevated. Blood is often cultured for bacteria. Imaging of the brain with MRI or CT with contrast can help to identify the lesion in the subdural space and associated swelling
Intravenous antibiotic treatment is generally started immediately and surgical intervention will help to obtain a culture specimen and prevent further deterioration of patients condition.
In this case we discuss a case of elderly lady with uncontrolled diabetic and acute pansinusitis presented with subdural empyema.
Key words: Sinusitis, subdural empyema, intracranial abscess, diabetes.
|
