Check the Ear. The Importance of Ear Examinations in Assessment of Intracranial Subdural Empyema
Intracranial subdural empyema (ISE) is an uncommon condition previously associated with almost 100% morbidity and mortality. Since the introduction of antibiotics and advancements in diagnosis the complication rates have significantly improved. We report an unusual case of a 32-year-old Aboriginal m...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2019-09-01
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| Series: | Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/4/3/120 |
| Summary: | Intracranial subdural empyema (ISE) is an uncommon condition previously associated with almost 100% morbidity and mortality. Since the introduction of antibiotics and advancements in diagnosis the complication rates have significantly improved. We report an unusual case of a 32-year-old Aboriginal male diagnosed with ISE. On closer inspection the ISE was found to be a complication of otitis media with a cotton bud lodged in the external acoustic meatus. The report provides a literature review on the relationships of ISE, otitis media and foreign bodies. We conclude that although rare, all patients with suspected ISE should undergo an ear examination as it is at no cost to the patient or health service but may be the difference between life and death. |
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| ISSN: | 2414-6366 |