Spontaneous subdural empyema in falciparum malaria: a case study.
METHODS
Malaria is one of the most common diseases in the tropical countries. Cerebral malaria is usually a diffuse symmetric encephalopathy with focal signs being unusual.


METHODS
We present a three-year old girl lapsing into unconsciousness following a seizure while undergoing treatment for malaria. Imaging revealed a large heterogenous density, left hemispheric acute subdural haematoma with brain herniation. Investigations revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia and positive peripheral blood smear for falciparum malaria.


RESULTS
Treatment involved surgical evacuation of the clot and the associated subdural empyema, intravenous quinine and antibiotics.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the second case report of spontaneous subdural empyema in complicated falciparum malaria and highlights a rare but surgically manageable complication.
Dwarakanath
S
S
Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Suri
A
A
Mahapatra
A K
AK
D002675:Child, Preschool; D013354:Empyema, Subdural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000150:complications*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography