Pott Puffy Tumor

Abstract

Pott puffy tumor is osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with associated subperiosteal abscess causing swelling and edema over the forehead and scalp. It is a complication of frontal sinusitis or trauma. We present the case of an 8-year-old girl with frontal swelling. Imaging evaluation showed frontal osteomyelitis as a complication of frontal sinusitis with associated epidural and subperiosteal abscess. The patient was treated surgically and recovered well. This case highlights the need for high clinical suspicion and early diagnosis and management to prevent life-threatening complications. Unfortunately, in our case the patient had to undergo surgery for this complication, which could have been prevented by earlier diagnosis.

Pott's puffy tumor in children: A review of the literature

“…Most of the articles were either case series or case reports. The characteristics of the included studies are summarized in Table …”

“…CT is quick and readily available. Particular attention should be paid in children to decrease the radiation dose by strictly following the pediatric protocols for radiation dose reduction …”

“…However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is better in detecting intracranial involvement . Surgery along with long‐term intravenous antibiotics are required to achieve a good recovery …”

A case of Pott’s puffy tumour from primary dental infection

“…It is a non-neoplastic complication of acute frontal sinusitis characterised by subperiosteal abscess formation and osteomyelitis 1. CT scanning clearly demonstrates the bony anatomy of the sinuses; however, MRI is the modality of choice for demonstrating intracranial complications or for post-treatment surveillance when required 2. Pott’s puffy tumour is exceptionally rare in the antibiotic age with only a handful of cases reported.…”

Complications of Facial Trauma of the Fronto-orbital Region

“…When these complications occur in the absence of sinusitis, it is importance to look for the presence of a mucocele especially in patients with a history of head trauma. 68 Given the natural history of mucoceles, they may be asymptomatic for years to decades, with reports of patients presenting initially 35 years out from trauma. The treatment for mucoceles and mucopyoceles varies according to the ability to access them endoscopically.…”