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Subacute infratemporal fossa cellulitis with subsequent abscess formation in an immunocompromised patient

Lee M Akst1, Barbara J Albani, Marshall Strome

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Disorders, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. akstl@ccf.org

American Journal of Otolaryngology
|January 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Subacute infratemporal fossa cellulitis can lead to dangerous abscesses, especially in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and treatment, guided by anatomical knowledge, are crucial for effective management of these deep facial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Head and Neck Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Infections in the infratemporal fossa, a deep facial space, can be challenging to diagnose and manage.
  • Odontogenic infections are a common etiology for deep facial space infections.

Observation:

  • A case of subacute infratemporal fossa cellulitis with abscess formation in an immunocompromised patient is presented.
  • Clinical presentation included unilateral facial pain, swelling, and trismus.

Findings:

  • Intraoral drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy were effective in resolving the infratemporal fossa abscess.
  • A literature review highlighted the importance of understanding relevant anatomy and pathways of infection spread.

Implications:

  • Knowledge of infratemporal fossa anatomy is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of deep facial infections.
  • Prompt recognition and management of infratemporal fossa abscesses can prevent serious complications.
Abstract

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