Nonsurgical treatment of interhemispheric subdural empyemas

Abstract

Interhemispheric subdural empyema complicating sinusitis was diagnosed in two children by CAT scan. One of them presented with intracranial hypertension and paresis of one foot (syndrome of the falx cerebri). Antibiotic treatment alone without surgery (in one case with brief initial steroid therapy) brought rapid and complete clinical and radiological cure. A nonsurgical approach can now be considered in certain cases of intracranial local suppurations, given the possibility of earlier and more precise initial diagnosis and follow-up with CAT scan.