Pott’s Puffy Tumor with Intracranial Extension in a Minimally Symptomatic Adolescent

Abstract

Pott’s puffy tumor is a non-neoplastic, Otolaryngological emergency. It is regarded as a rare clinical condition in the post-antibiotic era and a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis. The aetiology is multifactorial and includes sinusitis, infections, trauma, surgery, malignancy, substance abuse as well as contiguous spread along neurovascular bundles. These result in osteomyelitis and subperiosteal abscess formation within the frontal bone. Intracranial involvement can also occur and lead to serious complications. This is the case report of a 12-year old female who developed intermittent forehead swelling, headaches and pyrexia over a 2-week period. Radiological imaging identified changes consistent with a Pott’s puffy tumor complicated by an intracranial abscess. A combined open and endoscopic endonasal approach was used to drain the purulent collections and the patient was placed on antibiotics for a total of six weeks. The management of Pott’s puffy tumor will then be discussed.