Nasal Septal Abscess Complicating Acute Sinusitis in an 8-Year-Old Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Nasal septal abscess (NSA) in the pediatric population is an uncommon condition, but it can cause devastating complications (such as potentially life-threatening intracranial infections and cosmetic nasal deformity). The objective of this study is to report a case of an pediatric patient presenting with NSA in association with frontal-ethmoid acute sinusitis and intracranial abscess. Method and Results: In this study, we report a case of an 8-year-old patient who progressed from spontaneous nasal septal abscess to sinusitis (maxillary, frontal and ethmoidal), cosmetic nasal deformity (destruction of septal cartilage) and intracranial complication. The purulent collection necessitated urgent surgical drainage and adequate medical treatment. Conclusion: Nasal septal abscess in children is a rare condition that necessitates early appropriate drainage in order to prevent severe life-threatening complications. Furthermore, in the growing child, in case of total destruction of the cartilaginous septum, immediate reconstruction with autologous cartilage graft is essential for normal development of the nose and maxilla.