Introduction: To date intracranial complication caused by tooth extractions are extremely rare. In particular parietal
subdural empyema of odontogenic origin has not been described. A literature review is presented here to emphasize
the extreme rarity of this clinical entity.
Case presentation: An 18-year-old Caucasian man with a history of dental extraction developed dysarthria, lethargy,
purulent rhinorrhea, and fever. A computed tomography scan demonstrated extensive sinusitis involving maxillary
sinus, anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus on the left side and a subdural fluid collection in the temporal-parietal site on
the same side. He underwent vancomycin, metronidazole and meropenem therapy, and subsequently left maxillary
antrostomy, and frontal and maxillary sinuses toilette by an open approach. The last clinical control done after 3
months showed a regression of all symptoms.
Conclusions: The occurrence of subdural empyema is an uncommon but possible sequela of a complicated tooth
extraction. A multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologist, neurosurgeons, clinical microbiologist, and
neuroradiologist is essential. Antibiotic therapy with surgical approach is the gold standard treatment
