Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Subdural Empyema: a Rare Complication of Acute Sinusitis
Ali, M.H.; Miller, C.L.
South Dakota Medicine the Journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association 69(7): 303-307
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-3317 PMID: 28806018 Document Number: 689477
The intent of this paper is to raise awareness to primary care and pediatric colleagues of how a clinically insignificant appearing condition like sinusitis can lead to a major complication. Subdural empyema is a rare but life-threatening complication of paranasal sinusitis, otitis media, or mastoid disease. We report a case of a 12-year-old male patient who originally presented with clinically insignificant symptoms and later developed intracranial abscess requiring aggressive neurosurgical intervention. We hope that this article will raise awareness among colleagues who can educate parents on high-alert symptoms to watch out for if the patient is discharged home after initial presentation.