An unusual cause of headache: Pott's puffy tumour.
Osteomyelitis of the frontal bone (eponymously known as Pott's puffy tumour) is an extremely rare and potentially life-threatening complication of frontal sinusitis. The entity was first described by Sir Percival Pott, an 18th century neurosurgeon. It is today considered a historical vignette with the introduction of modern antimicrobial agents. Early diagnosis and immediate active treatment are necessary to prevent severe neurologic sequelae. We report on a case of Pott's puffy tumour in a previously healthy young man with a progressively worsening headache and swelling of the frontal bone. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed features characteristic of this condition. Following emergency sinus trephination and 6 weeks of parenteral and enteral antibiotic therapy, the patient achieved a complete recovery.
McDermott
Cian
C
Department of Emergency Medicine, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. cianmd54@eircom.net
O'Sullivan
Ronan
R
McMahon
Geraldine
G
D000328:Adult; D018450:Disease Progression; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000473:pathology*; D015522:Frontal Sinusitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed