A patient with frontal sinusitis develops sudden onset severe headache, high fever, and a 'doughy' swelling over the forehead. CT shows destruction of the anterior table of the frontal sinus with a subperiosteal collection. The most likely complication is:
- A Orbital cellulitis
- B Meningitis
- C Pott's puffy tumour ✓
- D Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Correct answer: C. Pott's puffy tumour
Explanation
Pott's puffy tumour is a subperiosteal abscess of the anterior frontal bone secondary to frontal sinusitis, caused by osteomyelitis of the anterior table. It presents as a fluctuant, doughy forehead swelling. Despite the name 'tumour,' it is not neoplastic. It requires surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics and is a well-known complication of frontal sinusitis.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.