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Child's Nervous System
Published in: Child's Nervous System 10/2018

01-10-2018 | Special Annual Issue

Subdural empyema in children

Authors: Dattatraya Muzumdar, Naresh Biyani, Chandrashekhar Deopujari

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 10/2018

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Abstract

Background

Subdural empyema denotes the collection of purulent material in the subdural spaceand is commonly seen in infants and older children. In infants, the most common cause is bacterialmeningitis. In older children, sinusitis and otitis media are usually the source for subdural empyema. Theclinical symptomatology is varied and has a wide range including prolonged or recurrent fever, seizures,meningeal irritation, and raised intracranial pressure. It can mimic as well as complicate meningitis and aheightened clinical awareness is therefore paramount.

Aims and Objectives

The clinical profile, etiopathogenesis, imaging features and management of subdural empyema in children is discussed and the relevant literature is reviewed.

Conclusion

Subdural empyema is a neurosurgical emergency and rapid recognition and treatment canavoid life-threatening complications. In most cases, surgical decompression through burr hole or craniotomyis warranted. Near complete evacuation of the purulent material and appropriate long-term intravenous antibiotics are necessary for a gratifying outcome.
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Metadata
Title
Subdural empyema in children
Authors
Dattatraya Muzumdar
Naresh Biyani
Chandrashekhar Deopujari
Publication date
01-10-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 10/2018
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-018-3907-6

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