Upper Eyelid Fistula Due to Infection of Artificial Dura Mater and Cranial Bone Flap: A Case Report.

The upper eyelid fistula caused by intracranial infection is rare. We present a rare case of an upper eyelid fistula caused by a chronic infection of the artificial dura mater, the bone flap, and the absorbable fixation materials following epilepsy surgery in a 13-year-old male. After surgery for left frontal lobe epilepsy, the patient developed a purulent discharge from the left upper eyelid. Imaging studies revealed a bone defect in the cranial bone flap, with the infection extending to the upper eyelid. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified as the causative agent. Surgical intervention, including removal of the infected artificial dura mater, bone flap, and fixation materials, was performed, followed by reconstruction of the dura mater using fascia lata. Postoperatively, the upper eyelid fistula healed completely without recurrence. This case underscores the importance of considering cranial bone and dura mater infections as potential causes of upper eyelid fistulas, especially in patients with a history of neurosurgery.