Spontaneous subdural empyema in falciparum malaria : a case study

• Main Author: S. Dwarakanath, A. Suri , A.K. Mahapatra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2004-09-01
• Series: Journal of Vector Borne Diseases
• Subjects: Cerebral malaria; falciparum; subdural empyema; subdural haematoma
• Online Access: http://www.mrcindia.org/journal/issues/413080.pdf

Clinical history : Malaria is one of the most common diseases in the tropical countries. Cerebralmalaria is usually a diffuse symmetric encephalopathy with focal signs being unusual.Methods : We present a three-year old girl lapsing into unconsciousness following a seizure whileundergoing treatment for malaria. Imaging revealed a large heterogenous density, left hemisphericacute subdural haematoma with brain herniation. Investigations revealed anaemia, thrombocytopeniaand positive peripheral blood smear for falciparum malaria.Results : Treatment involved surgical evacuation of the clot and the associated subdural empyema,intravenous quinine and antibiotics.Conclusion : This is the second case report of spontaneous subdural empyema in complicatedfalciparum malaria and highlights a rare but surgically manageable complication.