Subperiosteal Abscess Research Articles

Pott's Puffy Tumor in Young Age: A Systematic Review and Our Experience.

Background: Pott's Puffy Tumor (PPT) in young-age patients is a rare clinical entity characterized by osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with a subperiosteal abscess collection. Previous reviews primarily consist of small, retrospective case series and anecdotal reports. This study aims to present the largest, most up-to-date systematic review of essential clinical findings, diagnostic modalities, microbiologic considerations, and treatment approaches for managing PPT in pediatric and adolescent populations. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically screened until 3 January 2024. The protocol of this investigation was registered on PROSPERO in January 2024, and the systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. The study included 184 patients from 109 articles and an additional case from the authors' institution. Results: PPT commonly stems from untreated rhinosinusitis, respectively, acute pansinusitis, frontal acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, and direct head trauma. Infections typically involve a polymicrobial anaerobe-predominant microbiome. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are routinely used for presurgical assessment and posttreatment surveillance. Intracranial complications were significantly associated with the type of surgical treatment (p value < 0.0001). Conclusions: PPT is a significant and relatively morbid disease often under-recognized and misdiagnosed due to its variable clinical presentation. Management includes both antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention, emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach.

Case Report: Invasive candidiasis of the head and neck in a five-month-old infant: A case study

Invasive sino-orbital fungal infection is an uncommon, yet severe condition that predominantly affects individuals with compromised immune systems. In this study, we report the case of a 5-month-old immunocompetent infant who exhibited persistent dacryocystitis despite receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics. Subsequently, the patient developed ethmoiditis, orbital subperiosteal abscess, and ulceration of the hard palate. Mycological and histological samples were indicative of Candida infections. The patient underwent sinus surgery and surgical debridement, along with antifungal therapy. The treatment was successful, and the follow-up was uneventful for up to 6 months. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of invasive sino-orbital candidiasis in an immunocompetent infant with dacryocystitis as the entry point. This study explores the clinical features, management approaches, and outcomes of this potentially fatal disease.

The continuous rise in orbital subperiosteal abscess incidence in the Iranian pediatric population

In this study, we aimed to follow up on the surprising increase in the incidence of orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) reported in the Iranian pediatric population in the post-COVID era. Pediatric patients (≤ 18 years old) diagnosed with orbital SPA following acute sinusitis who were hospitalized between October 1st, 2023, and March 31st, 2024 in Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were included. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and radiological characteristics of patients were reviewed. During the 6-month study period, 39 patients were admitted to our tertiary referral hospital. The average age of patients was 7.29 ± 4.13 years and 30 patients (76.92%) were male. The ethmoid sinus was involved in 100% of patients, and SPA involvement was in the medial wall in 27 patients (69.23%). The mean volume of SPA was 1.45 ± 1.77 cm3. Nineteen patients (48.72%) underwent surgical interventions, however, 20 patients (51.28%) received only medical treatment. The best corrected visual acuity of patients increased from 0.63 (0.20 LogMAR) on the first day of admission to 0.84 (0.07 LogMAR) according to the Snellen chart in the first month after treatment. It seems that the outbreak of orbital SPA in the Iranian children population in the post-COVID era is an increasing trend.

Ocular Manifestations of Pediatric Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Review.

Background: Rhinosinusitis is a common childhood illness that may result in a number of ocular problems. The goal of this thorough analysis is to compile the available data regarding the kinds, prevalence, and treatment of ocular problems related to juvenile rhinosinusitis. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of electronic databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, was carried out to pinpoint pertinent research articles written in English and published between the beginning and August of 2023. Included were studies that discuss ocular problems in young children suffering from rhinosinusitis. Study characteristics, ocular complication kinds, occurrence rates, and management approaches were the main topics of data extraction. Results: A significant number of pertinent research on ocular problems related to juvenile rhinosinusitis was found through the literature search. Preliminary searches indicated that orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and optic neuritis are probably the most often reported ocular problems. It is expected that these problems will occur at a wide range of incidence rates, from somewhat unusual to more prevalent. Depending on the severity of the consequences, management techniques are expected to require a combination of surgical and medicinal procedures. Healthcare professionals will benefit from the findings since they will improve knowledge of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these potentially blinding consequences. The evaluation also assists in identifying knowledge gaps and guides future directions for this field of study, both of which are critical to enhancing patient outcomes. Conclusions: The wide range of topics included in this study will help to better understand the burden of ocular consequences related to juvenile rhinosinusitis and will make it easier to build preventative and treatment plans that work better.

Clinical and radiological characteristics of odontogenic orbital cellulitis

PurposeTo assess the radiological features and clinical outcomes of odontogenic orbital cellulitis.MethodMulti-centre retrospective study of odontogenic orbital cellulitis. Primary outcomes assessed were causal organism(s), clinical signs, radiological findings, management and visual outcomes.ResultsFour patients with odontogenic orbital cellulitis were identified for inclusion. There was an equal proportion of men and women with a mean age of 43 years (range 25–56 years). All patients presented with an orbital compartment syndrome, with visual acuity of counting fingers (n = 1, 25%), hand movements (n = 1, 25%) and no perception of light (n = 2, 50%). The organisms implicated were Streptococcus milleri (n = 3, 75%) and Streptococcus constellatus (n = 1, 25%). MRI findings showed a subperiosteal abscess was present in all cases, which was characterised radiologically as a T1-hyperintense, T2 minimally hyperintense collection with restricted diffusion and a low apparent diffusion coefficient signal. Final visual acuity ranged from 6/6 to no light perception. One patient required an orbital exenteration due to extensive necrosis with sepsis and systemic deterioration.ConclusionsOdontogenic orbital cellulitis carries a serious risk of vision loss with a propensity to present with an orbital compartment syndrome secondary to Streptococcus species. Outcomes were highly variable, with two cases progressing to blindness of which one required an orbital exenteration.

Optimal Timing for Advanced Imaging in Childhood Bone and Joint Infection

Objective: Advanced imaging in the management of childhood bone and joint infection (BJI) has the potential to improve disease outcomes. Knowledge about the optimal timing for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in relation to both surgically and nonsurgically managed BJI is limited. This study examines the impact of MRI timing on number of surgeries, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization cost, and disease recurrence in childhood BJI. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients younger than 16 years with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) or septic arthritis (SA) treated in the Auckland region from 2018 to 2023. Cases undergoing MRI as part of diagnostic workup were included. Treatment, hours between admission and MRI, LOS, hospitalization cost, and infection recurrence were assessed. Results: There were 563 cases of BJI, of which 390 met the inclusion criteria. Cases were primarily AHO (85%). The percentage of cases having MRI increased over time from 54% (2018) to 80% (2023). Locally disseminated infections such as subperiosteal abscess or adjacent septic arthritis occurred in 48%. Children with preoperative (n = 145) versus postoperative MRI (n = 60) had a lower reoperation rate (33% vs 77%, P = 0.001) and shorter LOS (14.1 vs 22.4 d, P = 0.002). Hospitalization costs appeared lower but did not differ statistically ($59,419 vs $159,353, P = 0.12). In nonoperative cases, LOS was shorter if an MRI occurred within 48 hours of admission (7.3 vs 10 d, P = 0.03). Disease recurrence was not associated with MRI timing. Conclusion: Overall, children with BJI who underwent MRI scans before surgery had lower reoperation rates. Children receiving MRIs within 48 hours of admission had shorter LOS.

Trends in orbital cellulitis severity and management: 2016 through 2022

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize trends in orbital cellulitis (OC) severity and management from 2016 through 2022, including assessment of effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary care center using an electronic medical record search of OC from January 1 2016 to January 1 2023. Radiography was used to categorize patients into three cohorts – OC without abscess, OC with subperiosteal abscess (SPA), and OC with orbital abscess (OA). Infection cohort and age group [pediatric (<9 years old), adolescent (9–18 years), adult (>18 years)] were compared across years. Subgroup analysis was performed in the SPA cohort. Comparisons were made between the time periods prior to and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results From 2016–2022, there were 247 (67.3%) cases of OC, 103 (28.1%) SPA, and 17 (4.6%) OA. The year 2022 incurred higher rates of SPA and OA (p = 0.035), pediatric infections (p = 0.008), and co-morbid sinusitis (p = 0.005) compared to all preceding years. Rates were similar from 2016 through 2021. Within the SPA cohort, rates of surgical intervention and outcomes were similar across all years. Rate of abscess formation was significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic era (p = 0.033). Conclusion The severity of OC leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic appeared steady. After pandemic onset, a delayed increase in abscess formation, predominantly affecting pediatric patients and correlating with a greater rate of sinusitis, was observed in 2022.

MR Imaging in Covid-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Sinusitis.

We witnessed a sharp peak in the incidence of invasive fungal sinusitis, particularly mucormycosis, in patients with history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in India. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a fulminant rapidly progressive disease. Early diagnosis significantly improves patient survival and outcomes. Hence, neuroimaging plays a very important role. We studied the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging manifestations of invasive fungal sinusitis and established an imaging protocol, which helps in early diagnosis of the disease per se as well as its complications. We evaluated the differences between COVID-19-associated and non-COVID-19-associated ROCM. We retrospectively analyzed the MR imaging manifestations of 91 histopathologically proven cases of post-COVID-19-invasive fungal sinusitis. We observed stage I disease limited to sinuses in 25.2%, stage II disease with intraorbital spread in 23%, and stage III disease with intracranial spread in 51.6% of our patients. Dural involvement was the commonest and earliest sign of stage III disease. Direct parenchymal invasion from the adjacent paranasal sinuses was the commonest pattern of cerebral involvement, involving basifrontal lobe (14.2%) followed by anteromedial temporal lobe (5.4%). We observed orbital and intracranial complications including subperiosteal orbital abscess (1%), cavernous sinus involvement (29.6%), angioinvasion (15.3%), perineural spread (9.8%), and osteomyelitis of skull base and craniofacial bones (45%). Contrary to non-COVID-19-associated ROCM, we did not observe any case with superior ophthalmic vein/dural venous sinus thrombosis or basilar artery angioinvasion in our study. In our study, stage III disease was most commonly due to direct parenchymal invasion into frontal and temporal lobes from the adjacent frontal and sphenoid sinuses, respectively. The commonest vascular complications in our study were cavernous sinus involvement followed by angioinvasion into the cavernous ICA leading to watershed infarcts.

Subperiosteal abscess volume; an objective indication for surgical management in pediatrics.

Subperiosteal abscess (SPA) can lead to devastating morbidity and mortality. Prompt management is important; however, the choice of management route is controversial. This study investigates factors associated with surgical management and defines a cut-off abscess volume prompting surgical intervention. SPA cases presented to King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) from 2014 to 2023 were reviewed. The surgical approach was studied in association with factors including age, gender, symptoms and signs, laboratory results, computed tomography (CT) characteristics, medications, and surgical approach. Multiple statistical tests were used for analysis, including student t-test, chi-square, multiple logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Patients were managed medically (n = 14, 45.16%) or surgically (n = 17, 54.84%). The average duration of antibiotics was 15 days. Superior SPA favors surgical management (OR = 6.722, CI [1.332-33.913], p = 0.029), along with the use of steroids (OR = 5.625, CI [0.915-34.572], p = 0.049), and abscess volume (OR = 10.003, CI [1.418-70.540], p < 0.001). However, the only factor attributing to a surgical decision on multivariate logistic regression analysis was abscess volume (OR = 5.126, CI [1.023-25.694], p = 0.047). SPA volume of ≥ 0.648ml strongly prompts surgical management, with a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 71.4% (p = 0.000). SPA volume increases the likelihood of surgical intervention by five times, especially when abscess volume is ≥ 0.648ml.

Subsequent Complications of Pediatric Patients With Osteomyelitis and Accompanying Subperiosteal Abscess.

Subperiosteal abscesses (SAs) are a complication of osteomyelitis that requires surgical intervention. This study aimed to characterize the occurrence of subsequent complications in pediatric patients with osteomyelitis and accompanying SA. Fourteen pediatric patients with SAs were included. We recorded clinical information, including age at diagnosis, interval (days) between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis, location of SAs (long/flat bone), pathogens [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)/non-MRSA], treatment period (days) and any subsequent complications. Patients were classified based on SAs with or without complications. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analyses, and data are expressed as median and interquartile range. Six patients (42.9%) had subsequent complications. There were significant differences in location of SAs between these two groups (long/flat bone, with versus without complication = 6/0 versus 3/5; P = 0.031). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age [with versus without complication = 13.8 (9.7-24.5) versus 556.3 (5.0-107.8) months; P = 0.491], the interval (days) between symptoms onset and diagnosis [with versus without complications = 5 (1-10) versus 5 (3-6.5) days; P = 0.950], pathogenesis (MRSA/non-MRSA, with versus without complication = 4/2 versus 2/6; P = 0.277) and treatment period [with versus without complication = 50.5 (31-57) versus 29 (24.5-41.5) days; P = 0.108]. Pediatric patients with SAs in the long bones have a higher likelihood of experiencing subsequent complications than those with SAs in flat bones. Physicians should carefully manage this vulnerable patient group.

Clarifying the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Uncomplicated Pediatric Mastoiditis.

Acute pediatric mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the mastoid bone most commonly associated with acute otitis media. Complicated mastoiditis is traditionally characterized by intracranial complications or subperiosteal abscess, but definitions are inconsistent in the literature. Surgical intervention is identified as the main treatment for complicated mastoiditis, but there is some evidence to support medical management of uncomplicated mastoiditis. This study sought to clarify the diagnostic criteria and management of uncomplicated acute mastoiditis. All cases of acute pediatric mastoiditis were identified from a single institution over a 16-year period and reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Two different definitions of uncomplicated mastoiditis were compared; the traditional one that excluded patients with intracranial complications or subperiosteal abscess (SPA) and the proposed definition that also excluded patients with any evidence of bony erosion including coalescence, not just SPA. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted. Eighty cases were identified. Using the traditional definition of uncomplicated mastoiditis, 46.3% of cases were uncomplicated, compared to 36.2% when using the proposed definition. Truly uncomplicated patients, categorized with the proposed definition, were treated more consistently: no patients underwent mastoidectomy and they were less likely to receive a long term course of antibiotics. On multivariate regression analysis, only categorization with the proposed definition of uncomplicated mastoiditis was independently associated with less long-term antibiotic therapy and non-surgical management. Uncomplicated acute mastoiditis should be defined using clinical criteria and exclude any cases with evidence of bony erosion, including coalescence or subperiosteal abscess. These truly uncomplicated patients often do not require mastoidectomy and can be prescribed a shorter course of antibiotics. Further research into treatment pathways is necessary to optimize the management of uncomplicated acute pediatric mastoiditis.

Characteristics and management of pediatric medial subperiosteal orbital abscesses

IntroductionSubperiosteal orbital abscesses (SPOA) are the most common suppurative complications of acute bacterial sinusitis. Medial SPOAs arise from infection of the ipsilateral ethmoid sinus and favor initial conservative management reserving surgical drainage for patients who do not demonstrate clinical improvement. No standard algorithm defining medical versus surgical treatment of medial SPOAs exist in the pediatric population. ObjectivesTo identify a size cutoff for medial SPOAs to predict the likelihood for surgical drainage. MethodsThis is a retrospective review of patients with medial SPOAs at a tertiary care center from 2003 to 2017. Diagnosis of SPOA was based on radiographic findings. Variables included are patient demographics, antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention, and length of stay. Results82 patients with a medial SPOA were included with an average age at presentation of 6.27 (range 0–15) years were included in this study. 62 patients were male (75.6 %), and 20 were female (24.4 %). The average abscess length was 16.1 mm, range 4.5–30.7 mm. The average abscess width was 4.17 mm, range 1.5–14.6 mm. The odds ratio for surgical treatment with every 1 mm increase in abscess width was 1.89 (95CI:1.33–2.69, p < 0.001). Abscesses over 3.6 mm width were 6.65 times more likely to undergo surgical drainage than those less than 3.6 mm (OR:6.65, 95CI:2.52–17.54, p < 0.001). The average(SD) length of stay was 5.4(3.0) days for patients who underwent surgery and 4.0(0.9) days for patients treated with conservative measures, p < 0.001. ConclusionMedial SPOAs greater than 3.6 mm were more likely to undergo surgical drainage; however there was no difference in the likelihood of drainage between anteriorly and posteriorly based medial abscesses. These findings help further characterize the landscape of pediatric subperiosteal abscesses that are managed with surgical drainage.

Orbital subperiosteal abscess in adolescents and adults: predictors and outcomes of nonsurgical management and surgical approaches

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to assess predictors and outcomes of subperiosteal abscess (SPA) management in adolescents and adults at two tertiary care centers. Methods This retrospective cohort study included cases of SPA from January 1 2000 to October 9 2022 at two institutions. Patients 9 years or older were categorized into surgical and nonsurgical cohorts. Surgical subgroups included those who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) alone, external (transcutaneous or transconjunctival) orbitotomy alone, or combined FESS and external surgery. The presented features were assessed as potential treatment predictors. Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), readmission rate, and reoperation rate. Results Of the 159 SPA cases included, 127 (79.9%) underwent surgery and 32 (20.1%) were managed nonsurgically. The nonsurgical cohort was younger (p = .003) with smaller abscesses (p < .001) that were more likely to be medial (p < .001). The nonsurgical cohort had shorter LOS (p < .001); final BCVA and readmission rates were similarly favorable. Abscess location was correlated with surgical approach. Superior SPA that underwent FESS or external surgery alone had higher reoperation rates (57.1.0% and 58.3%, respectively) than combined (17.9%). External approach and FESS alone resulted in lower reoperation rates (15.4% and 15.0%, respectively) than combined (27.3%) for medial SPA. Subgroup analysis in the sinusitis cohort yielded similar results. Conclusions A trial of nonsurgical management may be safe and effective for select patients aged 9 years and older with sinusitis-derived, medial, and small SPA. When surgery is indicated, approach should be guided by abscess location to minimize reoperation risk.

Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Orbit Presenting as a Subperiosteal Abscess.

Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Orbit Presenting as a Subperiosteal Abscess.

The Clinical Value of Cranial CT Venography for Predicting Fusobacterium necrophorum as the Causative Agent in Children with Complicated Acute Mastoiditis.

Fusobacterium necrophorum (F necrophorum) is an anaerobic bacteria that causes invasive head and neck infections in children. Several studies have demonstrated an increasing prevalence of F necrophorum as the causative agent in acute mastoiditis in children, with associated high rates of intracranial complications such as epidural abscess and sinus venous thrombosis, to name a few. F necrophorum requires a treatment protocol that differs from the empiric treatment that is tailored to more common pathogens (eg, group A streptococci, Streptococcus pneumonia), and hence expediting the diagnosis is important. For evaluating complicated acute mastoiditis in children, cranial CT venography remains the imaging study of choice in most medical centers due to its availability in emergency situations. Based on our clinical experience, our hypothesis is that children with F necrophorum-associated complicated acute mastoiditis can be differentiated from those with other etiologies using CT venography. CT venography studies of 76 children hospitalized and treated for complicated acute mastoiditis were retrospectively reviewed. Retrieved imaging data included intracranial complications (epidural abscess, sinus venous thrombosis), cranial bone-related complications, and extracranial complications (subperiosteal abscess, temporomandibular joint abscess, and soft-tissue inflammation). The cohort was divided into children with F necrophorum-related disease (study group) and those with non-F necrophorum-related disease (control group). Thirty-seven children (49%) comprised the study group, and 39 children in whom the causative agents were other bacteria comprised the control group. There were significantly higher rates of complications in the study group: sinus venous thrombosis (P < .001), perisigmoid epidural abscess (P = .036), and extramastoid osteomyelitis (P < .001). Thrombosis in venous sites beyond the sigmoid sinus and jugular foramen (a pattern consistent with an otogenic variant of Lemierre syndrome) and emphysematous osteomyelitis were found only among children in the F necrophorum-related study group (32% and 22% accordingly). In children with complicated acute mastoiditis, CT venography findings of emphysematous osteomyelitis and/or thrombosis in venous sites beyond the sigmoid sinus and jugular foramen (a pattern consistent with the otogenic variant of Lemierre syndrome) should lead the radiologist to suggest F necrophorum-related mastoiditis.

Pott's puffy tumor: An unusual complication of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis

ObjectiveTo describe clinicoradiological features and surgical outcomes in a series of nine patients with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) who presented with Pott's puffy tumor (ROCM-PPT) MethodsThe records of nine patients with ROCM-PPT seen between March 2020 and December 2021 were analysed. Clinical features, radiology, histopathology, operative findings, management and outcome were noted. Frontal sinus pneumatisation and outflow tract configuration was compared between patients and controls with ROCM and no PPT. ResultsROCM-PPT was diagnosed in 9 of 284 (3.2 %) patients with ROCM seen during the study period. There were six (66.7 %) males and the median age was 54 (IQR 46–60) years. Eight (88.9 %) patients had diabetes mellitus and seven (77.8 %) had been COVID-19 positive. Radiological features of osteomyelitis, subperiosteal abscess formation and dural enhancement were seen in all patients. No significant differences in pneumatisation or frontal sinus outflow tract configuration were noted between patients and controls. All patients underwent a craniectomy with frontal bone debridement and frontal sinus exteriorisation. All patients were treated with anti-fungal agents for several months. All patients had symptomatic improvement at a median follow-up of 21 (IQR 18–23) months. Repeat CT/MRI scans showed disease regression/resolution in six out of eight (75 %) patients with follow-up imaging, and stable disease in two others. ConclusionsROCM-PPT is a rare, delayed complication of mucormycosis that was seen in larger numbers during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Aggressive debridement of osteomyelitic bone and antifungal therapy results in a good outcome.

Retrospective study of acute mastoiditis in children in Spain attended in a Pediatric Emergency department

ObjectiveTo analyze the cases of acute mastoiditis, characteristics, management and complications in children attended in the emergency department. MethodsRetrospective study of acute mastoiditis in a Spanish tertiary hospital over a 6-year period (2018–2023). ResultsOne hundred two episodes of acute mastoiditis were analyzed (54% males, median age 1.8 years). Microorganisms were isolated in one third of cases, mainly Streptococcus pyogenes (64% of ear secretion cultures). Complications occurred in 27.5%, primarily subperiosteal abscess. A younger age, absence of vaccination schedule, previous history of otitis, cochlear implant carriers or white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications. Complicated cases had longer hospitalizations. Treatment included antibiotics, corticosteroids, and surgery in 50% of cases. ConclusionsThis study shows an increase of acute mastoiditis during 2023, with a relevant role of S. pyogenes. A younger age, absence of vaccination, personal history of otitis or cochlear implant, blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications.

Osteomyelitis in a Paediatric Patient with Sub-periosteal Abscess, Septic Pulmonary Emboli and Pneumothorax: A Case Report

Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory disorder affecting bone and adjacent tissue that primarily arises from pyogenic bacteria, often involving the metaphysis of long bones in pediatric patients through hematogenous spread with the common pathogen being Staphylococcus aureus. Complications such as pathological fractures, sinus formation, and abscesses, may occur. Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE), a rare complication, can lead to infarctions and abscesses in pulmonary vessels. Pneumothorax secondary to SPE can also occur, emphasizing the importance of considering these complications in patients with features of sepsis.

Retrospective study of acute mastoiditis in children in Spain attended in a Pediatric Emergency department

ObjectiveTo analyze the cases of acute mastoiditis, characteristics, management and complications in children attended in the emergency department. MethodsRetrospective study of acute mastoiditis in a Spanish tertiary hospital over a 6-year period (2018–2023). ResultsOne hundred two episodes of acute mastoiditis were analyzed (54% males, median age 1.8 years). Microorganisms were isolated in one third of cases, mainly Streptococcus pyogenes (64% of ear secretion cultures). Complications occurred in 27.5%, primarily subperiosteal abscess. A younger age, absence of vaccination schedule, previous history of otitis, cochlear implant carriers or white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications. Complicated cases had longer hospitalizations. Treatment included antibiotics, corticosteroids, and surgery in 50% of cases. ConclusionsThis study shows an increase of acute mastoiditis during 2023, with a relevant role of S. pyogenes. A younger age, absence of vaccination, personal history of otitis or cochlear implant, blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not associated with complications.

Orbital Subperiosteal Abscess Complicating Acute Ethmoiditis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acute ethmoiditis in children is an infection of the ethmoid sinuses. The germs most often involved are Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus. The diagnosis is made when edema appears in the internal angle of the eye, often in the context of common nasopharyngitis. The Chandler classification codes the involvement of the orbit which can jeopardize the visual prognosis at advanced stages. The CT scan of the face confirms the diagnosis and helps detect ocular and endocranial complications. Treatment is essentially medical based on a combination of antibiotics. Surgery consists of drainage of the orbital abscess by external, endoscopic or combined approach.