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Background Aggregatibacter species are Gram-negative bacteria typically recognized as oral saprophytes in humans, with invasive infections uncommon in immunocompetent individuals. To the best our knowledge, this is the first reported case of subdural empyema attributed to Aggregatibacter segnis ( A. segnis ). Case presentation A 50-year-old female was transferred to our hospital from a local facility due to headache, fever, and left-sided limb numbness. Initially suspected of subdural hematoma and viral encephalitis, she did not respond well to prior treatment. Cerebral computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a subdural lesion in the frontal-temporal region and sinusitis. Virus-related tests, smear, and culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were negative. Craniotomy was performed to evacuate the subdual empyema, and A. segnis was detected in the culture of pus. The discrepancy between metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and culture highlights diagnostic challenges in this pretreated patient. Antibiotic treatment was guided by culture results and mNGS. Clinical symptoms resolved gradually following surgery and administration of antibiotics. Conclusions This rare case suggested that A. segnis should be considered in the diagnosis of subdural empyema. Multimodal diagnostics, prompt neurosurgical management, and individualized antimicrobial stewardship are crucial in managing rare central nervous system infections.

Purpose Subdural empyema (SDE) is a rare but potentially serious complication following chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) evacuation. This study aimed to establish the incidence of postoperative SDE, identify risk factors for its development, characterize the bacterial pathogens involved, and evaluate optimal surgical management strategies. Methods Patients aged ≥ 15 years who underwent CSDH evacuation at the Karolinska University Hospital between 2006 and 2022 were retrospectively screened for postoperative SDE. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of SDE development and treatment failure. Results Among 2656 operations for CSDH, 37 (1.4%) resulted in postoperative SDE. Independent predictors of SDE were larger CSDH diameter (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 – 1.17, p  < 0.001) and Cloxacillin prophylaxis during index CSDH-surgery (OR 4.63, 95% CI 2.19 – 11.0, p  < 0.001). Hemiparesis (54%) and wound infection (30%) were the most common SDE symptoms, and fever was frequently absent. Cutibacterium acnes was the most common bacterial isolate, identified in 76% of cases. Craniotomy was more effective than burr-hole evacuation for managing SDE, with the latter showing a higher risk of reoperation (OR 11.5, 95% CI 1.72 – 230, p =  0.032). The median antibiotic treatment duration was 48 days (interquartile range 35–77). One-year mortality did not differ significantly between patients with and without SDE (8.1% vs. 12%, p =  0.618). Conclusion A larger CSDH diameter and Cloxacillin prophylaxis significantly increased the risk of postoperative SDE. Craniotomy was more effective than burr-hole evacuation for SDE management, and one-year mortality was not elevated in patients who developed an SDE.

PurposeTo describe the presentation and management of bacterial brain abscess and subdural empyema in adults treated at two tertiary centers. In addition, to identify factors that may predict a poor clinical outcome.MethodsA retrospective analysis of data obtained from clinical records was performed, followed by multivariate regression analysis of patient and treatment-related factors.Results113 patients were included with a median age of 53 years and a male preponderance. At presentation symptoms were variable, 28% had a focal neurological deficit, and 39% had a reduced Glasgow coma scale (GCS). Brain abscesses most frequently affected the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes while 36% had a subdural empyema. An underlying cause was identified in 76%; a contiguous ear or sinus infection (43%), recent surgery or trauma (18%) and haematogenous spread (15%). A microbiological diagnosis was confirmed in 86%, with streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes most frequently isolated. Treatment involved complex, prolonged antibiotic therapy (> 6 weeks in 84%) combined with neurosurgical drainage (91%) and source control surgery (34%). Mortality was 5% with 31% suffering long-term disability and 64% achieving a good clinical outcome. A reduced GCS, focal neurological deficit, and seizures at presentation were independently associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome (death or disability).ConclusionsComplex surgical and antimicrobial treatment achieves a good outcome in the majority of patients with bacterial brain abscess and subdural empyema. Factors present at diagnosis can help to predict those likely to suffer adverse outcomes. Research to determine optimal surgical and antibiotic management would be valuable.

Although chemotherapy for colorectal cancer has advanced remarkably, long-term chemotherapy can lead to a variety of infections. However, if chemotherapy must be discontinued to control infection, there is a risk of progression of colorectal cancer. Intracranial subdural empyema is a life-threatening intracranial infection. The condition requires 6-8 weeks of antibiotic therapy, and the patient must discontinue chemotherapy during treatment. We herein present a case of intracranial subdural empyema during long-term chemotherapy for metastatic rectal cancer. A 69-year-old woman with unresectable metastatic rectal cancer had a convulsive seizure and was admitted to our hospital. The cause of the convulsive seizure was considered a metastatic brain tumor from rectal cancer. However, on the basis of contrast-enhanced computed tomography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, we diagnosed intracranial subdural empyema. The infection was controlled by antibiotics, but chemotherapy for rectal cancer was discontinued during antibiotic treatment. As a result, the rectal cancer progressed, and the patient died 65 days after admission to our hospital. Intracranial subdural empyema may develop rarely during chemotherapy. This condition requires long-term treatment with antibiotics; therefore, early detailed imaging and diagnosis may improve the prognosis.

Background Data on critically ill patients with spontaneous empyema or brain abscess are limited. The aim was to evaluate clinical presentations, factors, and microbiological findings associated with the outcome in patients treated in a Neurocritical Care Unit. Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed 45 out of 101 screened patients with spontaneous epidural or subdural empyema and/or brain abscess treated at a tertiary care center between January 2012 and December 2019. Patients with postoperative infections or spinal abscess were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for baseline characteristics, origin of infection, laboratory and microbiology findings, and treatment characteristics. The outcome was determined using the Glasgow outcome scale extended (GOSE). Results Favorable outcome (GOSE 5–8) was achieved in 38 of 45 patients (84%). Four patients died (9%), three remained severely disabled (7%). Unfavorable outcome was associated with a decreased level of consciousness at admission (Glasgow coma scale < 9) (43% versus 3%; p  = 0.009), need of vasopressors (71% versus 11%; p  = 0.002), sepsis (43% versus 8%; p  = 0.013), higher age (65.1 ± 15.7 versus 46.9 ± 17.5 years; p  = 0.014), shorter time between symptoms onset and ICU admission (5 ± 2.4 days versus 11.6 ± 16.8 days; p  = 0.013), and higher median C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels (206 mg/l, range 15–259 mg/l versus 17.5 mg/l, range 3.3–72.7 mg/l; p  = 0.036). With antibiotics adapted according to culture sensitivities in the first 2 weeks, neuroimaging revealed a progression of empyema or abscess in 45% of the cases. Conclusion Favorable outcome can be achieved in a considerable proportion of an intensive care population with spontaneous empyema or brain abscess. Sepsis and more frequent need for vasopressors, associated with unfavorable outcome, indicate a fulminant course of a not only cerebral but systemic infection. Change of antibiotic therapy according to microbiological findings in the first 2 weeks should be exercised with great caution.

In Jeju Island, South Korea, a patient who consumed raw pig products had subdural empyema, which led to meningitis, sepsis, and status epilepticus. We identified Streptococcus suis from blood and the subdural empyema. This case illustrates the importance of considering dietary habits in similar clinical assessments to prevent misdiagnosis.

Subdural empyema refers to the collection of purulent material in the subdural space and the most source of it is bacterial meningitis in infants while sinusitis and otitis media in older children. It has been very recently reported that coronaviruses (CoV) exhibit neurotropic properties and may also cause neurological diseases. CoV-related complications as hypercoagulability with thrombosis and associated inflammation, catastrophic cerebral venous sinus thrombose sand bacterial-fungal superinfections have been well documented in adult patients. Hereby, we describe 15-year-old and 12-year-old female children with subdural empyema after SARS-CoV2. The patients presented limitation of eye in the outward gaze, impaired speech, drowsiness, fever, vomiting and they also were tested positive for COVID-19. MRI indicated subdural empyema and surgical interventions were needed to relieve intracranial pressure and drain pus after receiving broad spectrum antibiotics treatments. The microbiological analysis of abscess material revealed Streptococcus constellatus which is extremely rare in an immunocompetent child and the patients received appropriate IV antibiotic therapy. Eventually, patients became neurologically intact. Pediatric patients with CoV infections should be closely monitored for neurological symptoms. Further research and more data on the correlation between CoV infections would provide better recognition and treatment options in an efficient manner in children.

[LANGUAGE= \"English\"] BACKGROUND: Subdural empyemas (SDEs) are rare intracranial infections mostly secondary to sinusitis. Incidence of SDEs is 5–25%. Interhemispheric SDEs are even rarer, which makes their diagnosis and treatment difficult. Aggressive surgical interventions and wide-spectrum antibiotics are needed for treatment. In this retrospective clinical study, we intended to evaluate the results of surgical management supported by antibiotics in patients with interhemispheric SDE.METHODS: Clinical and radiological features, medical and surgical management and outcomes of 12 patients treated for interhemi-spheric SDE have been evaluated.RESULTS: 12 patients were treated for interhemispheric SDE between 2005 and 2019. Ten (84%) were male, two (16%) were female. Mean age was 19 (7–38). Most common complaint was headache (100%). Five patients were diagnosed with frontal sinusitis prior SDE. Initially, three patients (27%) underwent burr hole aspiration and ten patients (83%) underwent craniotomy. In one patient both were done in the same session. Six patients were reoperated (50%). Weekly magnetic resonance imaging and blood tests were used for follow-up. All patients received antibiotics for at least 6 weeks. There was no mortality. Mean follow-up period was 10 months.CONCLUSION: Interhemispheric SDEs are rare, challenging intracranial infections that have been related to high morbidity and mor-tality rates in the past. Both antibiotics and surgical interventions play role in treatment. Careful choice of surgical approach and repeated surgeries if necessary, accompanied by appropriate antibiotic regimen, leads to good prognosis reducing morbidity and mortality.[LANGUAGE= \"Turkish\"] AMAÇ: Subdural ampiyemler çoğunlukla sinuzite sekonder gelişen nadir intrakranyal enfeksiyonlardır. Yıllık insidansları %5–%25 arasında raporlan-mıştır. İnterhemisferik yerleşimli subdural ampiyemler ise daha da nadir olup tanıları ve tedavileri zordur. Agresif cerrahi girişimler ve geniş spekt-rumlu antibiyotikler tedavinin bel kemiğini oluşturmaktadır. Geriye dönük çalışmamızda, antibiyoterapinin yanı sıra cerrahi tedavi uygulanmış olan interhemisferik subdural ampiyemli hastaların irdelenmesi amaçlanmıştır.GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: İnterhemisferik subdural ampiyem tanısıyla opere edilen 12 hastanın klinik ve radyolojik özellikleri, tıbbi ve cerrahi tedavile-rinin detayları ve prognozları geriye dönük olarak incelenmiştir.BULGULAR: 2005 ve 2019 seneleri arasında interhemisferik subdural ampiyem tanılı 12 hasta tedavi edilmiştir. Hastaların onu (%84) erkek ve ikisi (%16) kadındır. Ortalama yaş 19 (7–38)’dur. En sık şikayet baş ağrısıdır (%100). Hastaların beşi ampiyem tanısından evvel frontal sinuzit tanısı almışlardır. İlk cerrahi girişim açısından üç (%27) hastaya burrholeden aspirasyon ve on (%83) hastaya kranyotomi uygulanmıştır. Bir hastada her iki cerrahi yöntem aynı seansta uygulanmıştır. Takiplerinde altı (%50) hastada ikinci cerrahi ihtiyacı olmuştur. Hasta takibinde haftalık manyetik rezonans görüntüleme ve kan testleri kullanılmıştır. Tüm hastalar en az altı hafta boyunca geniş spektrumlu antibiyotik kullanmıştır. Mortalite yoktur. Ortalama takip süresi 10 aydır.TARTIŞMA: İnterhemisferik subdural ampiyemler nadiren rastlanan ve tedavisi zor intrakranyal enfeksiyonlar olup geçmişte yüksek mortalite ve morbidite ile ilişkilendirilmiştir. Tedavi seçenekleri arasında cerrahi ve antibiyoterapi bulunmaktadır. Cerrahi tekniğin dikkatle seçilmesi ve ihtiyaç duyulan olgularda ikinci cerrahiden kaçınılmaması, uygun antibiyotik rejimeni ile beraber, sağ kalımı iyileştirmektedir.

Background Central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by Actinomyces spp . including brain abscess, actinomycoma, subdural empyema and epidural abscess are well described, however reports of Actinomyces-associated meningitis are scarcely reported. Case report We present the case of a 43-year-old Hungarian male patient with poor socioeconomic status who developed acute bacterial meningitis caused by Actinomyces turicensis originating from the left side mastoiditis. The bacterial cultures of both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and purulent discharge collected during the mastoid surgery showed slow growing Gram-positive rods that were identified by automated systems (API, VITEK) as A. turicensis The bacterial identification was confirmed by 16S rRNA PCR and subsequent nucleic acid sequencing. No bacterial growth was detected in blood culture bottles after 5 days of incubation. Hence, multiple antibacterial treatments and surgical intervention the patient passed away. Conclusions Anaerobes are rarely involved in CNS infections therefore anaerobic culture of CSF samples is routinely not performed. However, anaerobic bacteria should be considered as potential pathogens when certain risk factors are present, such as paranasal sinusitis, mastoiditis in patients with poor socioeconomic condition. To the best of our knowledge, our case report is the first description of A. turicensis meningitis that has been diagnosed as consequence of purulent mastoiditis.

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.