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Pott’s puffy tumour: a forgotten complication of frontal sinus disease

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Abstract

Background

Osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, otherwise known as Pott’s puffy tumour, is a rare complication of frontal sinusitis. The aim of this paper is to illustrate this condition as a separate entity to other causes of supraorbital swelling and describe the various types of management.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 56-year-old man who was seen in the emergency department with a painful forehead swelling. The maxillofacial surgical team on call arranged for incision and drainage of what was thought to be a sebaceous cyst. Despite oral antibiotic treatment, a continuing discharge was evident after a period of 3/52. An eventual diagnosis was made of frontocutaneous fistula secondary to Pott’s puffy tumour.

Conclusion

Frontal sinus disease may result in potentially dangerous complications. Although Pott’s puffy tumour is a rare complication in this post-antibiotic era, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will improve clinical outcome and reduce the possibility of intracerebral complications.

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Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contribution

Liam Masterson: contributed to conception and design, carried out the literature research, manuscript preparation and manuscript review.

Paul Leong: contributed to conception/design and manuscript review.

Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ENT Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY, UK

    Liam Masterson

  2. ENT Department, Edith Cavell Hospital, Peterborough, UK

    Paul Leong

Authors
  1. Liam Masterson
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  2. Paul Leong
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Liam Masterson.

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Masterson, L., Leong, P. Pott’s puffy tumour: a forgotten complication of frontal sinus disease. Oral Maxillofac Surg 13, 115–117 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-009-0155-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-009-0155-7

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