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Intracranial empyema: literature review and two novel cases in cats
Author(s) -
Barrs V. R.,
Nicoll R. G.,
Churcher R. K.,
Beck J. A.,
Beatty J. A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00307.x
Subject(s) - medicine , empyema , cats , general surgery , intensive care medicine , surgery
O bjectives :To review the literature on intracranial empyema and report two new cases in cats.M ethods :Literature review and case reports.R esults :Intracranial empyema has been rarely reported in small animals. In two novel cases in cats, the route of infection was postulated to be local extension from a retrobulbar abscess of odontogenic origin in one case and direct inoculation from a penetrating bite wound to the skull, confirmed at post‐mortem examination, in the other. On magnetic resonance imaging of the first case, there was a contrast‐enhancing large extra‐axial fluid collection overlying the right cerebral hemisphere, consistent with subdural empyema. Infection was caused by an Actinomyces spp. This is the first report of successful treatment of intracranial empyema by craniotomy, drainage and antibiotics.C linical S ignificance :Intracranial empyema is a neurosurgical emergency. Favourable outcomes may be achieved with surgical decompression, antimicrobial therapy and intensive care.