Posttraumatic Pott's Puffy Tumor

AbstractIntroduction:Pott’s Puffy Tumor (PPT) is a rare clinical condition characterized by a subperiosteal abscess and underlying frontal bone osteomyelitis. Although commonly seen in adolescents due to increased diploic venous flow during puberty, recent literature indicates a rising incidence among adults. Etiological factors include sinusitis, cranial trauma, odontogenic infections, and intranasal drug use.Case Report:A 68-year-old female presented with persistent headache, progressive frontal swelling, and purulent discharge. She had a history of cranial trauma five months earlier and was initially diagnosed with sinusitis at another facility. Despite antibiotic treatment, her symptoms worsened. On admission, physical examination revealed erythematous and fluctuant forehead swelling. Ultrasonography demonstrated a heterogeneous mass and a 7 mm bony defect in the frontal bone with suspected intracranial extension. Cranial CT confirmed lytic bone lesions and abscess formation. A diagnosis of PPT was made, and the patient was hospitalized for surgical intervention.Discussion:This case highlights trauma as a significant contributing factor to PPT in adults. Inadequate initial treatment and delayed diagnosis contributed to disease progression. While CT imaging remains the gold standard for diagnosis, point-of-care ultrasonography can provide rapid, non-invasive assessment in emergency settings. Management of PPT requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical drainage, debridement, and intravenous antibiotic therapy.Conclusion:PPT should be considered in elderly patients with a history of cranial trauma and persistent frontal swelling. Early imaging and timely multidisciplinary intervention are crucial to prevent complications.Keywords:Pott’s Puffy Tumor, frontal osteomyelitis, subperiosteal abscess, cranial trauma, point-of-care ultrasonography, adult sinusitis complications