Abstract
Pott’s puffy tumour (PPT) is a rarely seen, but highly important, complication of frontal sinusitis. Early recognition followed by prompt imaging and treatment of this condition are essential to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications. This case report describes an atypical presentation of radiologically confirmed PPT in a boy who presented with a 2.5-week history of progressive frontal headache and midline frontal swelling. Flexible nasendoscopy revealed no acute findings. Prompt CT imaging confirmed the diagnosis and early surgical intervention via endoscopic approach with aggressive antibiotic therapy led to good recovery. This case highlights the need to remember PPT in assessing any child or adolescent with a new forehead swelling, with or without sinusitis symptoms. If there is strong clinical suspicion, further imaging should not be delayed. Surgical intervention should be performed as early as possible to prevent intracranial complications; antibiotics alone are not sufficient.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e247325 |
| Journal | BMJ Case Reports |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 4 Mar 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.
Competing interests None declared.
Keywords
- ear, nose and throat
- infectious diseases
- otolaryngology
- paediatrics
- Humans
- Frontal Sinusitis/diagnosis
- Male
- Endoscopy/adverse effects
- Edema/complications
- Pott Puffy Tumor/complications
- Adolescent
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
- Child
