Subdural empyema pathophysiology
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Subdural empyema Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Subdural empyema pathophysiology On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Subdural empyema pathophysiology |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Subdural empyema pathophysiology |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Bacterial or occasionally fungal infection of the skull bones or air sinuses can spread to the subdural space, producing a subdural empyema. The underlying arachnoid and subarachnoid spaces are usually unaffected, but a large subdural empyema may produce a mass effect. Further, a thrombophlebitis may develop in the bridging veins that cross the subdural space, resulting in venous occlusion and infarction of the brain. If diagnosis and treatment are prompt, complete recovery is usual.