Pott Puffy Tumor: A Serious Occult Infection

Abstract

Pott puffy tumor is a subperiosteal abscess of the frontal bone that appears as a localized swelling of the overlying region of the forehead. It is the result of frontal sinusitis and osteomyelitis that erode through the anterior mantle of the frontal bone. Early diagnosis and aggressive therapy of patients with Pott puffy tumor are essential for optimal outcome, because these patients are at high risk for CNS complications such as abscess and empyema. We present two patients with Pott puffy tumor and review the literature on the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, microbiology, treatment, and complications of Pott puffy tumor.