Intracranial empyema: literature review and two novel cases in cats.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on intracranial empyema and report two new cases in cats.


METHODS
Literature review and case reports.


RESULTS
Intracranial empyema has been rarely reported in small animals. In two novel cases in cats, the route of infection was postulated to be local extension from a retrobulbar abscess of odontogenic origin in one case and direct inoculation from a penetrating bite wound to the skull, confirmed at post-mortem examination, in the other. On magnetic resonance imaging of the first case, there was a contrast-enhancing large extra-axial fluid collection overlying the right cerebral hemisphere, consistent with subdural empyema. Infection was caused by an Actinomyces spp. This is the first report of successful treatment of intracranial empyema by craniotomy, drainage and antibiotics.


CONCLUSIONS
Intracranial empyema is a neurosurgical emergency. Favourable outcomes may be achieved with surgical decompression, antimicrobial therapy and intensive care.
Barrs
V R
VR
Valentine Charlton Cat Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Nicoll
R G
RG
Churcher
R K
RK
Beck
J A
JA
Beatty
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002415:Cats; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage / Q000662:veterinary; D013354:Empyema, Subdural / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents