Unusual Cause of Seizure: Pott Puffy Tumor

Recep Sade1, Gokhan Polat, Mecit Kantarci

  • 1Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.

Insights

Pott puffy tumor, a rare cause of seizures in children, involves frontal bone osteomyelitis and abscess formation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this serious neurologic condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Seizures are common in children with significant developmental and societal impacts.
  • Pott puffy tumor is an uncommon etiology of pediatric seizures, characterized by frontal bone osteomyelitis.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old boy presented with seizures and frontal swelling.
  • Physical examination revealed glabella swelling, leukocytosis, and elevated C-reactive protein.
  • Microbiological testing identified pathogenic Streptococcus sp.

Findings:

  • Brain MRI demonstrated frontal bone defects, subcutaneous abscess, and left frontal swelling.
  • MRI revealed intracranial spread of infection, consistent with an intracranial abscess.
  • Diffusion-weighted imaging showed characteristic abscess signal intensity and low apparent diffusion coefficient.

Implications:

  • Pott puffy tumor requires prompt diagnosis and management due to potential intracranial complications.
  • Early recognition of frontal sinus infection is key to preventing osteomyelitis and abscess formation.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare causes of pediatric seizures.

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