Published online Sep 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i26.7811
Peer-review started: February 24, 2021
First decision: June 15, 2021
Revised: June 20, 2021
Accepted: July 30, 2021
Article in press: July 30, 2021
Published online: September 16, 2021
Pediatric temporal fistulae are rarely reported in the literature. Dissemination of these cases can help inform future diagnosis and effective treatment.
Three pediatric patients came to the clinic due to repeated infections of the skin and soft tissue of the temporal area. One patient presented with a temporal fistula that penetrated the temporal bone and reached the dura mater. Another patient presented with a temporal fistula that penetrated into the temporal muscle fascia. The third patient presented with a fistula that penetrated the lateral wall of the orbit and entered the orbit. All patients underwent surgical fistula resection informed by preoperative computed tomography (CT) evaluation. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. All three patients were surgically treated successfully. Histopathological evaluations confirmed the fistula diagnoses in all three cases.
For patients who have temporal fistulae with repeated infections, surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible to prevent serious complications. CT can be very useful for preoperative evaluation. B-mode ultrasound examination and evaluation also have a certain auxiliary role.
Core Tip: For patients who have temporal fistulae with repeated infections, surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible to prevent serious complications. Computed tomography can be very useful for preoperative evaluation.