Pott's puffy tumor: a need for interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Pott's puffy tumor (PPT) is a rare infection of the frontal sinus characterized by subperiosteal and intracranial abscess formation.
• This condition is particularly uncommon in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a series of four cases of Pott's puffy tumor.
• To highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing this rare disease, especially in pediatric cases with intracranial involvement.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of four patients (two children, two young adults) diagnosed with Pott's puffy tumor.
• Treatment involved an interdisciplinary team including pediatric, neurosurgical, ENT, radiological, and neuroradiological specialists.
• Management strategies included antibiotic therapy, endoscopic sinus surgery, and open transcranial approaches for abscess drainage.

Main Results:

• All four patients were successfully treated through a multidisciplinary approach.
• One patient underwent single endoscopic surgery, while three required combined endoscopic and open transcranial surgery for intracranial abscess drainage.
• The cases underscore the occurrence of PPT with intracranial abscess formation in children.

Conclusions:

• Pott's puffy tumor, though rare, can present with intracranial abscesses in children and young adults.
• Effective management necessitates a comprehensive interdisciplinary team approach.
• Early recognition and prompt surgical and antibiotic treatment are vital for favorable outcomes.