Indications for Testing

Key work-up includes imaging, such as a CT head without contrast, although if available, the diagnosis may be better characterized with an magnetic resonance imaging brain scan. The infection is treated with a prolonged course of broad-spectrum antibiotics that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, often 4 to 8 weeks in duration, if treating underlying osteomyelitis. Early involvement of consultants, such as otolaryngology and neurosurgery physicians, is also key, as surgical intervention may be needed to drain infection and/or remove compromised bone.

Conclusion

In the case of this patient, he was transferred to the nearest children’s hospital where he underwent frontal sinus surgery. He was treated with IV antibiotics for nine days and was discharged home with oral antibiotics.

Dr. Gault just completed her emergency medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine. She is passionate about advancing health equity and advocating for those underrepresented in medicine.

Dr. Pérez-Verdejo just completed her emergency medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine. She is passionate about providing medical care to underserved and undocumented populations.

Dr. Adu-Gyamfi just completed her emergency medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine. She is interested in health policy and passionate about advancing health equity and advocating for those underrepresented in medicine.

Dr. Gordon is currently in her medical education fellowship at Baylor Medical Center in Houston after completing her residency in emergency medicine at University of Houston at HCA Kingwood Emergency Medicine Residency Program.

References

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2. Klivitsky A, Erps A, Regev A, Ashkenazi-Hoffnung L, Pratt LT, Grisaru-Soen G. Pott‘s Puffy Tumor in Pediatric Patients: Case Series and Literature Review. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2023;42(10):851-856. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004026. Epub 2023 Jun 29. PMID: 37406183.
3. Palabiyik FB, Yazici Z, Cetin B, Celebi S, Hacimustafaoglu M. Pott Puffy Tumor in Children: A Rare Emergency Clinical Entity. J Craniofac Surg. 2016;27(3):e313-6. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000002573. PMID: 27100642.