[Osteoma of the frontal sinus leading to acute sinusitis with the complication of subdural empyema].
BACKGROUND
Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are benign, slow-growing bone tumours with preferred localization in the frontal sinus. They often remain asymptomatic and are found by chance in x-ray examination. Clinical manifestations include headache and orbital complications.


METHODS
We describe the case of a 54-year-old male patient who, based on an osteoma of the frontal sinus, developed an acute frontal sinusitis complicated by subdural empyema. Therapy consisted of two operative interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
Aetiogenesis of paranasal osteomas is still unclear. Inspite of their slow growth, these tumours can lead to fulminant clinical situation. Choice of operative procedures depends on size and localization of the osteoma. Endocranial complications caused by obstructing osteoma of the frontal sinus must be considered.
Semmler
M
M
Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Ulm. marzell.semmler@uniklinik-ulm.de
Keck
T
T
D000208:Acute Disease; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013354:Empyema, Subdural / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005626:Frontal Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D015522:Frontal Sinusitis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010016:Osteoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome