title: Subdural empyema and other suppurative complications of paranasal sinusitis.
abstract: Suppurative intracranial infection, including meningitis, intracranial abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and thrombosis of other dural sinuses, are uncommon sequelae of paranasal sinusitis. A high index of suspicion is necessary to identify these serious complications. We present a patient with subdural empyema in whom the diagnosis was delayed, followed by a discussion of suppurative complications of sinusitis. The case shows the rapid progression of subdural empyema, which represents a true neurosurgical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. mkosbor@emory.edu
authors.forename: Melissa K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Osborn
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Steinberg
mesh_terms: D013354:Empyema, Subdural / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D012851:Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications*