Luc’s abscess as a rare complication of otitis media: a case report

Abstract

Luc’s abscess, a subperiosteal pus collection beneath the temporal muscle, is an extracranial complication of otitis media. Treatment including antibiotic therapy and abscess drainage often results in clinical improvement. Awareness of this rare complication is needed to get a prompt diagnosis and early treatment.

We describe a case of a 5-year-old boy with fever, otorrhea and a left-sided preauricular swelling. Temporal CT revealed a bilateral otomastoiditis and Luc’s abscess. Unlike other case reports, abscess drainage was unsuccessful. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics and myringotomy with grummet insertion resulted in full recovery.