Login / Signup

Unusual Presentation of Pott's puffy tumour in a child: our recent experience and review of the literature.

Alice Elizabeth McGeeFergus CooperSangeeta Kapur MainiVamsidhar Vallamkondu
Published in: BMJ case reports (2022)
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.
Keyphrases