Pott’s Puffy Tumor in an Adult Female: A Case Report in a Rare Demographic

Abstract

Pott's puffy tumor (PPT) is a localized forehead swelling with underlying subperiosteal abscess formation and osteomyelitis of the frontal bone. It is a rare complication of frontal sinusitis, and it is especially rare in adult females. A careful review of existing literature identified only 17 cases in adult females. Treatment requires antibiotic therapy and often surgical drainage/debridement. Here, we present a case of a 76-year-old female diagnosed with PPT. She was placed on amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg twice daily for six weeks. Her symptoms resolved with the antibiotic course, and she is scheduled for otolaryngology (ENT) follow-up, including dedicated sinus computed tomography (CT). While Pott's puffy tumor is a rare manifestation of chronic sinusitis, it is important to recognize and treat to avoid serious intracranial complications.