Subdural Empyema, an Intracranial Sinus Complication

Abstract

Subdural empyema is the most common intracranial complication in sinusitis, defined as an infection with purulent collection between the inner surface of the dura mater and the outer surface of the cerebral arachnoid. This condition is underestimated and neglected by physicians due to its low incidence. However, despite its rarity, it is a serious pathology, requiring early diagnosis and therapeutic management. The present work aims to emphasize sinusitis as the primary focus of subdural empyema and the importance of its eradication for treatment.

Scientific articles published in the past 15 years on PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases were reviewed using the keywords sinusitis, subdural empyema, and intracranial complication, and selected according to the inclusion criteria: case reports and retrospective studies from 2008 to 2023. At last, 16 works were selected. According to the reviewed articles, sinusopathy should not be underestimated, and more attention should be given to clinical signs suggestive of intracranial infections.

In conclusion, despite being uncommon, subdural empyema resulting from sinusitis complications is a neurosurgical emergency that carries considerable morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, physicians should be aware of its correct treatment. Lastly, it was observed that otorhinolaryngological procedures can be performed to eliminate the primary focus, while neurosurgical interventions can solve this pathology. Thus, it is impossible to deny the importance of new studies with clear analysis regarding the eradication of the primary focus.