Subdural and meaningful involvement related to Wegener's granulomatosis: case report

Abstract

Objective and importance: The first case of Wegener's granulomatosis associated with subdural empyema is presented.

Clinical presentation: A 37-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for treatment of bilateral subdural masses. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated strong bilateral subdural and meningeal enhancement. The patient was treated with subdural drainage, based on the diagnosis of bilateral subdural hematoma or empyema as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging. Even after surgery, he developed systemic symptoms that are typical for Wegener's granulomatosis, including hemosputum, papules, peripheral nervous disorders, hematuria, myalgia, and joint pain. A diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis was confirmed by positive circulating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and histological findings from the skin and nasal mucosa. We diagnosed the subdural masses as Wegener's granulomatosis from the laboratory and neuroimaging studies, retrospectively.

Intervention: Pus-like fluid containing hematoma with negative micro-organism was evacuated by surgery.

Conclusion: Wegener's granulomatosis should be suspected in young patients with pulmonary symptoms and subdural hematoma without head injury. This is the first case of Wegener's granulomatosis associated with subdural masses.