Intracranial Tubercular Subdural Empyema: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem in developing countries. Approximately 1 million children became ill with TB in year 2016. Neurotuberculosis is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Intracranial tubercular subdural empyema is extremely rare in pediatric population. Authors report a case of 13-year-old male child who had presented with recurrent seizures and features of raised intracranial pressure. Neuroradiology of skull revealed intracranial subdural empyema. He was managed effectively with burr hole evacuation of the pus, postoperative neuroradiological assessment, and prompt empirical antitubercular therapy. Authors propose that high index of suspicion, neuroradiology, and prompt therapeutic interventions are necessary for good prognosis of this rare yet curable disease.