Zygomatic air cells in connection with Luc's abscess.

INTRODUCTION

An uncommon complication of Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a subperiosteal temporal infection known as Luc's abscess. Zygomatic air cells (ZACs) are an uncommon anatomic variant.

CASE SERIES: Two otherwise healthy male patients, aged six- and thirteen years-old presented with unilateral otalgia, swelling, trismus, and fever. Imaging revealed Luc's abscess near ZACs. Antibiotics, drainage and myringotomy tubes resulted in a full recovery.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the spread of soft tissue infection through the Notch of Rivinus, the presence of ZACs may provide a pathway for suppurative effusion and development into Luc's abscess.