A Case Report of Frontal Sinus Abscess Complicated by Epidural Abscess with a Literature Review
Guangming Yang1, Jian Zhang2, Qian Liu2
1The First Clinical School of Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730000, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Inflammation of the frontal sinus is a relatively common clinical condition among paranasal sinusitis and is curable through anti-infection treatments, with a rare progression to frontal sinus abscess. An even rarer complication is the development of intracranial epidural empyema secondary to frontal sinus abscess. In this report, we describe a case of a 14-year-old male with a frontal sinus abscess that led to intracranial infection and was complicated by an epidural abscess misdiagnosed as an epidural hematoma. The primary symptoms were headache, dizziness, and fever. Following combined antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, including maxillary and frontal sinus window drainage, the patient was cured. A follow-up period of three months showed no recurrence, indicating a favorable outcome.
Insights
Frontal sinus abscess, a rare complication of sinusitis, can lead to intracranial epidural empyema. Prompt antibiotic therapy and sinus drainage successfully treated a teen patient, preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Frontal sinusitis is common, but progression to frontal sinus abscess is rare.
- Intracranial epidural empyema is an even rarer complication of frontal sinus abscess.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male presented with headache, dizziness, and fever.
- Initial symptoms suggested an epidural hematoma, but an underlying frontal sinus abscess was identified.
Findings:
- The patient received combined antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, including maxillary and frontal sinus window drainage.
- The intracranial infection resolved, and the patient was cured without recurrence after a three-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare intracranial complications of frontal sinusitis.
- Early diagnosis and combined treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in such complex cases.
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