Cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy for severe head trauma or stroke encompasses various cranial reconstruction techniques that use autograft or allograft materials. It not only provides protection and cosmetic benefits to the brain but also facilitates neurological function. One of the most important and undesirable complications of cranioplasty is graft infection, which usually develops within several days to months. Here, we report the case of a 46-year-old man who was admitted with aphasia caused by a delayed epidural abscess 6 years after cranioplasty. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms of this rare entity are discussed along with a review of the relevant literature.
Keywords: aphasia; cranioplasty; infection.