Acute (haematogenous) osteomyelitis of the skull in childhood.
A 13-year old boy presented with a 2-week history of right frontotemporal headache, fever and progressive painful swelling in that region. There was no preceding trauma. Clinical and radiological evaluation confirmed osteomyelitis of the right frontal bone. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the causative organism. The affected bone was debrided and appropriate antibiotics administered. A subdural abscess developed requiring drainage. Hospital stay was 8 weeks. Haematogenous (pyogenic) osteomyelitis of the skull is rare in childhood and diagnosis may be missed or delayed. A high index of suspicion is necessary to make an early diagnosis and to avoid morbidity and mortality.
Ameh
E A
EA
Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
Shehu
B B
BB
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement; D005624:Frontal Bone; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology*; D011859:Radiography; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000382:microbiology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D013492:Suppuration
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents