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Pott's puffy tumor due to Haemophilus influenzae: case report and review
A Verbon1, R N Husni, S M Gordon
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Abstract:
Osteomyelitis of the frontal bone may be associated with a purulent collection under the periosteum, causing swelling and edema over the forehead, a condition known as Pott's puffy tumor. We describe an 83-year-old man with a Pott's puffy tumor due to Haemophilus influenzae that was successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics. A review of 22 cases of Pott's puffy tumor shows that this condition usually occurs in children, is spread from frontal or ethmoid sinusitis, and is usually due to streptococci, staphylococci, or anaerobes. Suppurative complications such as epidural, subdural, and intracerebral abscesses are common. Only seven cases of Pott's puffy tumor in adults have been reported, and only one of these cases was caused by H. influenzae. Surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy remain standard therapy for this condition.
Insights
Pott's puffy tumor, a forehead swelling from frontal bone infection, is rare in adults. This case highlights successful treatment of a Pott's puffy tumor caused by Haemophilus influenzae in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Pott's puffy tumor is a subperiosteal purulent collection on the frontal bone, presenting as forehead swelling and edema.
- This condition is typically associated with frontal or ethmoid sinusitis and commonly affects children.