Luc's abscess: the return of an old fellow

Mastoiditis, subperiosteal abscess and sigmoid vein thrombosis are the most common suppurative complications of acute otitis media (AOM). Luc's abscess, a subperiosteal temporal collection, is an infrequent complication with a particularly benign course.

Two children, aged 5 years, presented with AOM complicated by an atypical abscess deep to the temporalis muscle, with no evidence for mastoid or zygomatic arch involvement.

Computed tomographic scan was performed in only 1 child. In both children, treatment included antibiotic therapy, grommet insertion, and local surgical drainage of the temporalis abscess. In addition, a cortical mastoidectomy was performed in the patient who did not undergo computed tomography, based on clinical assessment.

Clinical improvement, resolution of symptoms.

Both patients recovered shortly following the surgical drainage. Mastoidectomy was poor in findings and was concluded as redundant.

Luc's abscess is associated with relatively little morbidity and requires a more limited surgical intervention. Computed tomographic scan is of great value to evaluate the extent of the disease and prevent needless mastoidectomy.