What Causes Subdural Empyemas?

Subdural empyema most often occurs due to the direct extension of local infection. The infection can spread to the intracranial compartment due to the valveless diploic veins of Breschet. As a result, blood may flow in either direction, causing the spread of bacterial infection intracranially.

How do you get subdural empyema?

Subdural empyema can develop after a cranial surgery or after a trauma, particularly in cases where there is a compound depressed fracture. Subdural empyema have been reported after secondary infection of a subdural effusion or hematoma.

What causes subdural abscess?

Paranasal sinusitis is the primary cause of a subdural empyema in 50% to 80% of patients, and otitis media is the primary cause in 10% to 20%. Superficial infections of the scalp and skull, craniotomy, or septic thrombophlebitis from sinusitis, otitis, or mastoiditis may extend to the subdural space, causing empyema.