Primary interhemispheric subdural empyemas: A report of three cases and review of literature

• Main Authors: Ravindranath Kapu, Anil Pande, M.C. Vasudevan, Ravi Ramamurthi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 2013-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Neurosurgery
• Subjects: craniotomy; interhemispheric subdural empyema; neurosurgical emergency; primary empyemas
• Online Access: http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.4103/2277-9167.110227

Background Interhemispheric subdural empyema is an uncommon condition and is considered neurosurgical emergency. These are generally seen following neglected otorhinological infection, but may be posttraumatic or iatrogenic in origin. The source of infection can be frequently found, but in few cases no source of infection can be identified, called idiopathic empyemas. These idiopathic interhemispheric subdural empyemas are even rare. They can present with a rapid progression of symptoms and can carry poor prognosis. Early intervention with craniotomy and appropriate antibiotics can improve the condition of these patients. Materials and Methods We present three cases of idiopathic interhemispheric empyemas who underwent emergency craniotomy and evacuation followed by antibiotics for 6 weeks. Results All the patients had excellent recovery on mean follow-up of 10 years. Conclusion Early diagnosis and treatment of interhemisheric subdural empyema can lead to excellent recovery and outcome.