title: Nasal septal abscess in association with pediatric acute rhinosinusitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nasal septal abscess (NSA) in the pediatric population is rare and can result in devastating complications. Objective of this study is to review a case series of pediatric patients presenting with NSA in association with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) for possible risk factors and predisposing conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective review of pediatric patients that presented to a tertiary care hospital with nasal septal abscess associated with ARS. Patient demographics, presence of ARS, sinuses involved, and other potential risk factors were recorded. In addition, a literature review was conducted to evaluate other reported cases of NSA in association with ARS. Cases of NSA associated with trauma or other causes were excluded from analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five patients with NSA were treated by the pediatric otolaryngology department of a tertiary care center from 2003 to 2014. Three of these cases were associated with ARS. Of these cases, the average age at diagnosis was 9.7 years. Two were male and one was female. In these cases, the bilateral frontal, maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were involved. Sphenoid involvement occurred in two patients. One case was associated with ipsilateral middle turbinate concha bullosa. The cartilaginous septum was compromised in all three cases. All patients were treated with incision and drainage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the largest case series of NSA described in the pediatric population. NSA is exceedingly rare but may be associated with ARS. While the etiology of NSA is not always clear, identifying and treating nasal septal abscesses early is imperative to reduce potentially devastating complications.
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Duc A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Tien
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Krakovitz
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA. Electronic address: annes@ccf.org.
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anne
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications*; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Acute rhinosinusitis; Head and neck infection; Nasal septal abscess; Nasal trauma; Pediatric sinusitis