Pott’s Puffy Tumor: An Uncommon Clinical Entity

Abstract

Although first described in 1760, Pott's puffy tumor is a lesser known clinical entity. Often seen as a complication of frontal sinusitis, Pott's is a frontal bone osteomyelitis with an associated subperiosteal abscess. Patients present with a fluctuant swelling of the scalp. The diagnosis is often confirmed with computed tomography (CT). Prompt surgical and medical treatments are the rule as there is the potential for significant morbidity if not quickly diagnosed and treated. Herein, we describe the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of an 8-year-old female presenting with Pott's puffy tumor.

Behind the Name: Eponyms of Neuroradiology

“…CT imaging is the study of choice, which can identify the destructive bony changes of osteomyelitis (Fig 20) and the intra-and extracranial complications, which may include abscess formation. 71 Percivall Pott (1714 -1788) (Fig 20), born in London, England, became a surgical apprentice at age 15 and was later appointed a surgeon in 1749 at St. Bartholmew's Hospital. 72,73 In 1760, he reported the first description of "Pott's puffy tumor."…”

Forehead swelling and frontal headache: Pott's puffy tumour

“…Pott's puffy tumour is a surgical emergency and an extremely rare complication of frontal sinusitis 1. It is characterised by osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with an associated subperiosteal abscess 2…”

“…If there is evidence of intracranial complications, MRI may be used to assess the extent of the disease 1 3…”

Pott’s Puffy tumor and intracranial complication developing secondary to acute frontal sinusitis: A case report

“…Ancak epidural, subdural ya da frontal lob absesi gibi diğer pürülan intrakraniyal komplikasyonlarla ilişkili olabilir. Genellikle akut ya da kronik frontal sinüzitin komplikasyonu olarak görülmekle birlikte, frontal kemik travması, intranazal kokain kullanımı, fungal enfeksiyon, kranioplasti öyküsü, böcek ısırığı, akupunktur ya da frontal sinüs mukoseline bağlı olarak da görülebilir 1,2 .…”

“…Laboratuvarda spesifik bir bulgusu olmamakla birlikte, eritrosit sedimantasyon hızında artış ve lökositoz görülebilir. Tanı kontrastlı bilgisayarlı tomografi ile koyulur 1,7 . Hastamızda Potts puffy tümör tanısı BT ile koyulurken, santral sinir sistemi enfeksiyonu ve abse tanısı kontrastlı MRG ile koyulmuştur.…”