Intracranial complications of sinogenic and otogenic infections in children: an ESPN survey on their occurrence in the pre-COVID and post-COVID era.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have changed the epidemiology of some pediatric neurosurgical disease: among them are the intracranial complications of sinusitis and otitis (ICSO). According to some studies on a limited number of cases, both streptococci-related sinusitis and ICSO would have increased immediately after the pandemic, although the reason is not clear yet (seasonal changes versus pandemic-related effects). The goal of the present survey of the European Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ESPN) was to collect a large number of cases from different European countries encompassing the pre-COVID (2017-2019), COVID (2020-2021), and post-COVID period (2022-June 2023) looking for possible epidemiological and/or clinical changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An English language questionnaire was sent to ESPN members about year of the event, patient's age and gender, presence of immune-deficit or other favoring risk factors, COVID infection, signs and symptoms at onset, site of primary infection, type of intracranial complication, identified germ, type and number of surgical operations, type and duration of medical treatment, clinical and radiological outcome, duration of the follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-four cases were collected by 30 centers coming from 14 different European countries. There was a statistically significant difference between the post-COVID period (129 children, 86 cases/year, 50.7% of the whole series) and the COVID (40 children, 20 cases/year, 15.7%) or the pre-COVID period (85 children, 28.3 cases/year, 33.5%). Other significant differences concerned the presence of predisposing factors/concurrent diseases (higher in the pre-COVID period) and previous COVID infection (higher in the post-COVID period). No relevant differences occurred as far as demographic, microbiological, clinical, radiological, outcome, morbidity, and mortality data were concerned. Paranasal sinuses and middle ear/mastoid were the most involved primary site of infection (71% and 27%, respectively), while extradural or subdural empyema and brain abscess were the most common ICSO (73% and 17%, respectively). Surgery was required in 95% of cases (neurosurgical and ENT procedure in 71% and 62% of cases, respectively) while antibiotics in 99% of cases. After a 12.4-month follow-up, a full clinical and radiological recovery was obtained in 85% and 84% of cases, respectively. The mortality rate was 2.7%. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the occurrence of ICSO was significantly increased after the pandemic. Such an increase seems to be related to the indirect effects of the pandemic (e.g., immunity debt) rather than to a direct effect of COVID infection or to seasonal fluctuations. ICSO remain challenging diseases but the pandemic did not affect the management strategies nor their prognosis. The epidemiological change of sinusitis/otitis and ICSO should alert about the appropriate follow-up of children with sinusitis/otitis.

Subdural empyema in immunocompetent pediatric patients with recent SARS-CoV-2 positivity: case report.

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.

Pediatric subdural empyema as a complication of meningitis: could CSF protein/CSF glucose ratio be used to screen for subdural empyema?

Subdural empyema (SDE) is a rare condition which can appear secondary to meningitis in childhood, especially in infants. This study was planned to evaluate and compare clinical and laboratory features, treatment, and outcome of children with SDE to those with acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) without SDE. The electronic medical files of 266 patients diagnosed with ABM between January 2009 and December 2019 were evaluated. Patients' demographic and clinical features, laboratory results, cranial imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. SDE was identified in 10 patients, 3.7% of all diagnosed with meningitis. The etiology of SDE was identified in eight (80%). The most common responsible pathogen was Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cranial imaging was performed between the 2nd and 13th days of admission, and the most common reason of performing cranial imaging was persistence of fever. Two patients were healed with 4-6 weeks of antibiotic treatment without surgery, eight (80%) needed surgical intervention.Conclusion: The clinical signs and symptoms of SDE may be subtle. If the fever persists or focal neurological findings are seen during the treatment of bacterial meningitis, SDE should be suspected. Furthermore, patients with ABM who are determined to have a protein-to-glucose ratio in the cerebrospinal fluid above 4.65 should be carefully monitored for SDE development. What is known: • Subdural empyema may develop subsequently to meningitis, especially in the infant age group in whom very little is known in terms of disease characteristics. • Delay in diagnosis and treatment can cause long-term neurologic sequelae and mortality. What is new: • Persistence or relapse of fever during the treatment of acute meningitis is an important warning sign for SDE even if there are no other symptoms. • Children with subdural empyema secondary to bacterial meningitis have higher protein-to-glucose ratio in the CSF, and a threshold of ˃ 4.65 was determined to demonstrate 100% sensitivity and 50.7% specificity.

Immediate replacement of bone flap after craniotomy for empyema in children.

PURPOSE: Optimal management of the bone flap after craniotomy for intracranial infection has not been well defined in the pediatric population. This study reviewed the outcomes of a single Canadian center where immediate replacement of the bone flap was standard practice. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent craniotomies for evacuation of epidural or subdural empyema at a single center from 1982 to 2018. Patients were identified using the prospective surgical database maintained by the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at BC Children's Hospital. Primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as reoperation at the site of initial surgery for removal of an infected bone flap or repeat drainage of empyema under the replaced bone flap. Secondary outcome was any reoperation for recurrent infection at any site. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria with a minimum of 3-month follow-up from the index intervention. Treatment failure occurred in four patients (17%), all of whom required repeat surgery for further drainage of pus underlying the bone flap. Mean time to repeat surgery was 13 days. Any reoperation for recurrent infection at any site occurred in three patients. Seven out of 24 patients required a second surgery to evacuate empyema (29.2%). Age, sex, epidural or subdural location, osteomyelitis, and bone flap wash were not associated with the primary outcome of treatment failure. CONCLUSION: Immediate replacement of the bone flap in the surgical management of pediatric subdural or epidural empyema is reasonable. Replacing the flap at the time of first surgery avoids the morbidity and costs of a subsequent reconstructive operation.

Hyperbaric oxygen for intracranial abscess.

The term "intracranial abscess" (ICA) includes cerebral abscess, subdural empyema, and epidural empyema, which share many diagnostic and therapeutic similarities and, frequently, very similar etiologies. Infection may occur and spread from a contiguous infection such as sinusitis, otitis, mastoiditis, or dental infection; hematogenous seeding; or cranial trauma. In view of the high morbidity and mortality of ICA and the fact that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) is relatively non-invasive and carries a low complication rate, the risk-benefit ratio favors adjunct use of HBO2 therapy in selected patients with intracranial abscess.

Dural Reconstruction Using Laparoscopic Gastro-omental Free Flap in Refractory Cranial Infections.

BACKGROUND: Epidural abscesses and subdural empyema after craniotomy are potentially lethal complications in neurosurgery. Patients with recalcitrant cranial wound infections may be difficult to manage, and dural reconstruction in these patients is challenging. METHODS: A total of 14 patients presented with recurrent intracranial infection after craniotomy. The symptoms and signs included persistent fever, despite prolonged systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic administration and repetitive debridement of the dural space. They underwent reconstruction with an omental free flap to cover the craniotomy defect. Microvascular anastomosis is usually performed between the gastroepiploic and superficial temporal vessels. Surgeries were performed in the chronic stages of infection, and the patients were reviewed and assessed for recurrence over the long-term postoperatively. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful, and flap survival was excellent in all patients. The patients were discharged with no evidence of wound discharge, and there were no reports of infection recurrence, flap failure, or donor site morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of vascularized free omentum flap was effective in cases involving intractable cranial wound infection.

Treatment-refractory Escherichia coli subdural empyema caused by infection of a chronic subdural hematoma in an infant.

INTRODUCTION: Subdural empyema (SDE) is a neurosurgical emergency that is typically treated with surgical drainage, either by burr hole or by craniotomy. Escherichia coli is an uncommon cause of SDE and is associated with infection of a pre-existing subdural hematoma. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an otherwise healthy, immunocompetent 4-month-old infant girl with an E. coli-infected subdural hematoma. The infection persisted despite aggressive neurosurgical treatment that included drainage of the subdural space through burr holes and, subsequently, a wide craniotomy was performed. Ultimately, after 30 days, the SDE resolved with good neurological outcome. A review of prior literature indicates that infected subdural hematomas (including those caused by E. coli) are typically less aggressive and respond to burr hole drainage. CONCLUSION: We illustrate the fulminant progression of the SDE in the face of neurosurgical treatment. Our experience suggests lowering the threshold for wide craniotomy in these incompletely understood cases.

Neurological Complications of Acute and Chronic Sinusitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute and chronic sinusitis can give rise to a wide array of intracranial and orbital complications. These complications include brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, meningitis, venous sinus thrombosis, frontal bone osteomyelitis, and orbital cellulitis and abscess. Despite numerous medical advances, these complications carry a risk of mortality and significant morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have shown improvement in both the mortality and the morbidity associated with the neurologic complications of acute and chronic sinusitis. However, there are still a large portion of patients with long-term sequelae, and the literature reports a morbidity rate of approximately 30%. The most common post-treatment morbidities include permanent changes in vision, seizures, and hemiparesis. Although the overall incidence of neurologic complications from a sinogenic source are rare, the potential long-term complications can be devastating making prompt diagnosis and treatment vital to improving outcomes.

Interhemispheric and Infratentorial Subdural Empyema with Preseptal Cellulitis as Complications of Sinusitis: A Case Report.

Intracranial complications of paranasal sinusitis have become rare due to the use of antibiotics nowadays. However, several cases have been reported due the ability of paranasal sinusitis to cause serious complications. Once the infection spreads over the cranial structure, it could infect the orbits, underlying bones, meninges, adjacent veins, and brain. Subdural empyema is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication following paranasal sinusitis and should be considered as a neurological emergency. The location where subdural empyema may appear is a challenge in diagnosis and treatment. We report the case of a 17-year-old boy who presented in a state of somnolence due to interhemispheric and infratentorial subdural empyema with preseptal cellulitis secondary to pansinusitis. Early diagnosis and aggressive antibiotic treatment combined with neurosurgical operation were mandatorily implemented. The case was managed using a multidisciplinary approach including the ENT, eye, and nutrition departments. The boy achieved clinical improvement, with impairment of eye movement as the only persistent symptom before discharge. Daily supervision at the primary health care center with continuous antibiotic treatment was recommended to the patient. Pertinent literature with controversies in the management of subdural empyema will be briefly discussed in this case report.

Simultaneous treatment of intracranial complications of paranasal sinusitis.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyse 51 patients with intracranial complications of sinusitis treated in the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngeal Oncology at Poznan University of Medical Sciences from 1964 to 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Males made up a significant portion of study participants at 70.5%. Treatment included simultaneous removal of inflammatory focal points in the paranasal sinuses and drainage of cerebral and epidural abscesses and subdural empyemas under the control of neuronavigation preceded by the implementation of broad-spectrum antibiotics continuously for 4 weeks. Seventy-three intracranial complications were found among 51 patients. Of the 51 patients, 25 had frontal lobe abscesses (including multiple abscesses). Other complications included the following: 16 epidural abscesses, 9 subdural empyemas, 15 meningitis cases, 3 intracerebral abscesses, 3 sinus thrombosis cases and 2 patients with cerebritis. Co-occurrence of these complications worsened the state of the patient and increased the duration of treatment. Patients with frontal lobe abscesses had a better prognosis and less pronounced neurological symptoms in recent years versus earlier treatment approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous treatment of intracranial complications of sinusitis is an effective treatment method that has minimal burden for the patient. From 1964 to 1978, three deaths (17%) were reported among patients with these complications. Since 1978, no deaths were reported in the clinic.

[Subdural Empyema Caused by Propionibacterium Acnes after Burr-Hole Surgery of Chronic Subdural Hematoma:A Case Report].

A 63-year old man with fever, headache, aphasia, and right hemiparesis was admitted to our hospital one month after the initial burr-hole surgery for left chronic subdural hematoma. Computed tomography(CT)revealed no regrowth of residual subdural hematoma. However, on the basis of the findings from magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)with diffusion-weighted images(DWI), an infection due to residual subdural hematoma was suspected. A small craniotomy was performed, and a little fluid with pus was aspirated from the subdural space. Postoperative antibiotic therapy for subdural empyema was performed, and subsequent culture of pus revealed Propionibacterium acnes(P. acnes). The patient's symptoms resolved, and he returned to work two months later. Subdural empyema caused by P. acnes after burr-hole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma is rare. We should consider infection due to residual hematoma in patients with recurrent symptoms and signs of inflammation, even in the absence of apparent regrowth of residual hematoma after burr-hole surgery.

Subdural empyema case report of a rare disease with a high mortality.

Subdural empyema is a rare purulent intracranial infection. Outcome is dependent on the preoperative level of consciousness, therefore an early diagnosis and urgent neurosurgical intervention are necessary. Mortality of subdural empyema remains high, ranging from 6% to 15%. The case report presents a patient with subdural empyema which resulted from sinusitis. The integral and first part of therapy was an urgent neurosurgical drainage of subdural empyema, followed by functional endoscopic sinus surgery performed by ENT surgeon. Conservative treatment consisted of systemic antibiotics and antiedematous therapy. Later the patient developed post-infectious hydrocephalus, which was solved by implantation of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Consequently, cranioplasty was performed. Despite acute onset of the disease and severe neurologic deficit prior to the first neurosurgical intervention, the clinical condition of the patient is favorable after multiple surgeries. The patient is able to live independently without any significant limitations in everyday activities. The presenting symptoms of subdural empyema are reflective of increased intracranial pressure, meningeal irritation, and cerebritis. Radiographic imaging (contrast CT, DWI-MRI, contrast MRI) is an essential diagnostic tool. The integral part of therapy is a neurosurgical evacuation of subdural empyema combined with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Subdural empyema is a rare, rapidly progressing disease which is underestimated by the physicians in many cases. Diagnosis is often delayed and therefore, despite recent progress in treatment, the mortality rate remains high. Key words: empyema - subdural - sinusitis - diagnostic imaging - surgical method.

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Subdural Empyema: A Rare Complication of Acute Sinusitis.

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.

Subdural empyema following lumbar facet joint injection: An exceeding rare complication.

Chronic low back pain is extremely common with a life time prevalence estimated at greater than 70%. Facet joint arthrosis is thought to be the causative aetiological substrate in approximately 25% of chronic low back pain cases. Facet joint injection is a routine intervention in the armamentarium for both the diagnostic and therapeutic management of chronic low back pain. In fact, a study by Carrino et al. reported in excess of 94,000 facet joint injection procedures were carried out in the US in 1999. Although generally considered safe, the procedure is not entirely without risk. Complications including bleeding, infection, exacerbation of pain, dural puncture headache, and pneumothorax have been described. We report a rare case of a 47-year-old female patient who developed a left L4/5 facet septic arthrosis with an associated subdural empyema and meningitis following facet joint injection. This case is unique, as to the best of our knowledge no other case of subdural empyema following facet joint injection has been reported in the literature. Furthermore this case serves to highlight the potential serious adverse sequelae of a routine and apparently innocuous intervention. The need for medical practitioners to be alert to and respond rapidly to the infective complications of facet joint injection cannot be understated.

Fusobacterium nucleatum: An unusual cause of subdural empyema.

This article describes an uncommon presentation of a subdural empyema in a young man. Because the patient's initial presentation consisted of nonspecific abdominal complaints, subdural empyema was not initially considered. However, a thorough medical history, including recent travel history, and appropriate multidisciplinary consultation, were key to reaching the correct diagnosis.

COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF NEUROSURGEON AND OTOLARYNGOLOGIST IN TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH OTORHINOGENIC SUPPURATIVE-INFAMMATORY BRAIN DISEASES.

This work analyzed 47 cases of oto- and rhinosinusogenic suppurative meningoencephalitis, abscesses and empyemas of the brain in children at the age from 3 months to 17 years old. The article presents the treatment strategy, results and the volume of diagnostic measures. On the basis of this research, the authors came to conclusion, that care of the children with otogenic and rhinosinusogenic suppurative diseases of the brain required an interdisciplinary approach and effective cooperation of a neurosurgeon, otolaryngologist, pediatrician, resuscitation specialist, infectionist and a clinical pharmacologist.

Spinal subdural abscess: a rare complication of decubitus ulcer.

Spinal subdural abscess (SSA) is an uncommon entity. The exact incidence is unknown, with very few cases reported in the literature. This condition may result in spinal cord compression, thus constituting a medical and neurosurgical emergency. The pathogenesis of SSA is not well-described, and the available knowledge is based on case observations only. There is only one case report that describes direct seeding from decubitus ulcers as a possible mechanism for development of SSA. We report a case of subacute onset of quadriplegia in a male patient, age 55 years, due to spinal cord compression from SSA and superimposed spinal subdural hematoma. The direct seeding from decubitus ulcers is thought to be the cause of infection in our patient. We present this case of SSA to elucidate and review the predisposing factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and treatment regarding management of this rare disorder.

Orbitocranial complications of acute sinusitis in children.

BACKGROUND: Orbitocranial complications (OCCs) of sinusitis are uncommon but potentially life threatening. OCCs carry high morbidity, mortality, and significant long-term sequelae. Late recognition leads to even worse outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To present four case reports showing that aggressive management of complications of sinusitis-like OCC decreases long-term sequelae and mortality in pediatric patients. CASE REPORTS: Four pediatric patients diagnosed with OCC were treated at our institution from April 2012 to March 2013. Three were boys and one was a girl; ages ranged from 4-14 years. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were the most useful imaging modalities. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics. Additional interventions consisted of endoscopic sinus surgery, subdural empyema drainage, and orbital decompression. CONCLUSION: The difficult complications of acute sinusitis in the pediatric age group should be anticipated, recognized early, and aggressively managed to prevent morbidity and a fatal outcome.

Pediatric intracranial empyema complicating otogenic and sinogenic infection.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare clinical and microbiological features, surgical and medical management, and outcomes of children with otogenic and sinogenic intracranial empyema (IE) in an institution with an established multidisciplinary protocol. To use the study findings to inform and update the institutional algorithm. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was carried out on the electronic healthcare records of all children with oto-sinogenic IE admitted in a 5-year period. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were identified and treated according to an institutional protocol. Two distinct groups were identified: intracranial empyema related to otogenic infection (OI-IE, n = 36) or sinogenic infection (SI-IE, n = 40). SI-IE was seen in older children and had a significantly higher morbidity. Sub-dural IE was seen in a minority (n = 16) and only in SI-IE and required urgent collaborative ENT-neurosurgery. Extra-dural IE occurred more frequently and was seen in both SI-IE and OI-IE. No death and overall low morbidity were observed. Particularities found in SI-IE and OI-IE groups (as thrombosis, microbiology, antibiotic treatment, duration and outcome) permitted the delineation of these groups in our updated algorithm. CONCLUSION: The presence of a collaborative multidisciplinary protocol permits the step-wise co-ordination of care for these complex patients in our institution. All patients received prompt imaging, urgent surgical intervention, and antibiotic treatment. Microbiological identification was possible for each patient and antibiotic rationalization was permitted through use of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in cases of sterile cultures. Of note, intracranial empyema related to sinogenic infection is shown to have significantly more severe clinical presentation, a higher morbidity, and a longer duration of antibiotic therapy than that related to otogenic infection. Study findings allowed for the update and clarification of the institutional protocol, which now clearly demarcates the clinical presentation, biological evidence, radiology, surgical and medical treatments in children with oto-sinogenic IE.