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Zygomatic air cells in connection with Luc's abscess
Steven Engebretsen1, Tyler Patrick1, Cecelia Helwig2
1Children's Hospital of Michigan, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 3901 Beaubien, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA; Michigan State University, 3901 Beaubien, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
Introduction:
An uncommon complication of Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a subperiosteal temporal infection known as Luc's abscess. Zygomatic air cells (ZACs) are an uncommon anatomic variant.
Case Series:
Two otherwise healthy male patients, aged six- and thirteen years-old presented with unilateral otalgia, swelling, trismus, and fever. Imaging revealed Luc's abscess near ZACs. Antibiotics, drainage and myringotomy tubes resulted in a full recovery.
Conclusion:
In addition to the spread of soft tissue infection through the Notch of Rivinus, the presence of ZACs may provide a pathway for suppurative effusion and development into Luc's abscess.
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