Introduction:

Subdural empyema is a rare condition, characterized by the presence of purulent material between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater. It represents between 15-20 % of intracranial infections, with a mortality of 10 %.

Objective:

To present a patient with a diagnosis of subdural empyema.

Clinical case:

A 22-year-old male patient, with symptoms of upper respiratory infection, fever of 39 °C, headache, poor general condition and difficulty in mobilizing the right lower limb; whose initial evaluation suggests a diagnosis of bacterial meningoencephalitis and had an unfavorable evolution, being identified after imaging studies the presence of a subdural empyema secondary to polypoid sinusitis.

Conclusions:

Subdural empyema is a rare entity, with high mortality if early diagnosis and treatment are not performed. Within infections of the central nervous system, it should always be taken into account, since it requires a high index of clinical suspicion and the adequate use of images for its diagnosis.

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