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Frontal sinus osteoma associated with cerebral abscess formation: a case report
L E Summers1, C R Mascott, J R Tompkins
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Surgical Neurology
|May 19, 2001
Summary
Frontal sinus osteomas can rarely cause brain abscesses. This case highlights the importance of considering intracranial complications in patients with paranasal sinus osteomas presenting with neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are benign bone tumors.
- Intracranial complications secondary to paranasal sinus osteomas are rare.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old man presented with frontal headaches, seizures, lethargy, dysphasia, and hemiparesis.
- Neuroradiological imaging revealed a frontal sinus osteoma and a left frontal lobe abscess with surrounding edema.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies showed mild pleocytosis.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included osteoplastic craniotomy for abscess and osteoma removal.
- Intraoperative cultures identified Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative agent.
- Pathology confirmed the bony mass as an osteoma.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for frontal sinus osteomas to lead to intracerebral abscess formation.
- Prompt surgical management is crucial for patients presenting with neurological deficits and paranasal sinus osteomas.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for intracranial complications in such cases.
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