[Nasal septal abscess complicating acute sinusitis in a child]

Abstract

Nasal septal abscess is a rare complication of acute sinusitis in children. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented at the emergency unit with a bilateral eyelid edema evolving over 2 days, associated with bilateral rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. Clinical examination found a tumefied nasal septum and nasal obstruction. A computed tomography scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses showed pansinusitis with an abscess of the nasal septum. Treatment consisted in the evacuation of the abscess associated with a triple antibiotic therapy. Progression was favorable. Acute sinusitis is seldom complicated by an abscess of the nasal septum, and very few cases are reported in the literature. Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid complications, which engage not only the functional but also the vital prognosis.