Pott's puffy tumor in a 5-year-old boy: The role of ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT imaging—Surgical case report

Abstract 

We report the case of a Pott's puffy tumor, a subperiosteal abscess of the frontal bone associated with an underlying frontal osteomyelitis, in a 5-year-old boy. Pott's puffy tumor is a complicated infection that requires adequate treatment consisting of prompt surgical management and strict antibiotic therapy. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent severe complications and sequelae. In our patient ultrasonography played a crucial role in the diagnosis, suggesting the presence of a Pott's puffy tumor with epidural abscess by showing a subperiosteal abscess associated with erosion of the frontal bone. Subsequently, the diagnosis of Pott's puffy tumor with epidural abscess was confirmed by contrast-enhanced CT scan. Prompt surgical intervention with drainage of abscesses and debridement of bone sequestrate, together with prolonged antibiotic therapy, significantly contributes to favorable outcomes.

Keywords: Epidural abscess, Frontal sinusitis, Osteomyelitis, Percival Pott, Puffy tumor, Surgery