Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
Pott's puffy tumor caused by Actinomyces naeslundii
Holly Bean1, Zaw Min1, James Como1
1Division of Infectious Disease, Allegheny Health Network, PA, 15212, United States.
Abstract:
Pott's puffy tumor is characterized by forehead swelling from subperiosteal abscess and frontal bone osteomyelitis. It is encountered mainly in children; rarely in adults. When it does occur in the latter population, the most common risk factors include head trauma, sinusitis, or cocaine abuse. Generally, the organisms thought to be involved include streptococci, staphylococci and oral anaerobic flora. We present a case of a 53 year old female who presented with forehead swelling of 3 month duration after a dental procedure, found to be secondary to Actinomyces naeslundii. Actinomyces is a very rare etiology of this disease and has been reported only twice earlier in the literature. We present an uncommon infectious disease along with summary of clinical characteristics of this entity in the adult population.
Insights
Pott's puffy tumor, a rare forehead swelling caused by bone infection, typically affects children. This case highlights an unusual adult presentation linked to dental procedures and Actinomyces naeslundii.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Osteomyelitis
Background:
- Pott's puffy tumor (PPT) is a subperiosteal abscess of the frontal bone, often associated with osteomyelitis, predominantly seen in children.
- In adults, PPT is rare and typically linked to head trauma, sinusitis, or cocaine abuse, with common pathogens including streptococci, staphylococci, and oral anaerobes.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of forehead swelling.
- The swelling was found to be a subperiosteal abscess and frontal bone osteomyelitis secondary to *Actinomyces naeslundii* following a dental procedure.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare instance of Pott's puffy tumor in an adult, with *Actinomyces naeslundii* identified as the causative agent.
- This etiology is exceptionally uncommon, with only two prior reports in the medical literature.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the importance of considering unusual pathogens and potential iatrogenic causes, such as dental procedures, in adult patients presenting with Pott's puffy tumor.
- This case contributes to the limited understanding of PPT in adults and highlights the diverse microbial spectrum that can cause this condition.
