Idiopathic pediatric nasal septal and epidural abscess: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Nasal septal abscess is an uncommon otolaryngologic condition with little reported in the literature. Most commonly arising secondary to hematoma, idiopathic abscess formation is rare. A previously healthy 13-year-old male with no preceding nasal hematoma or trauma presented with rhinorrhea, nasal pain, and obstruction. Initial incision and drainage were not curative; the patient returned to care with complaints of new-onset headache. Neuroimaging revealed abscess recurrence alongside pansinusitis and epidural empyema. The patient was transferred to a tertiary care center for joint otolaryngologic and neurosurgical care. The patient’s postoperative course was uncomplicated. Nasal septal abscesses have become increasingly uncommon, but they still occur. Prompt treatment is warranted to mitigate the potential risk of further intracranial spread and facial deformity, as seen in this case.