Orbital
cellulitis
.
This is a potentially
sight-threatening condition and the patient should be referred to the ophthlamologists
for further management. Sight loss
may result from central retinal artery occlusion or optic nerve inflammation.
In adults the most common infection
are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptoccocus pyogenes or
Streptoccus penumoniae. In
children , it is often secondary to infection in the adjacent sinuses and
Haemophilia influzae is an
important pathogen.
Presentation:
-
Severe pain
-
Tense and red orbit with lid closure
-
Pyrexia
Examination
-
Intense swelling of the lids
-
Proptosis
-
Congestion of the conjunctival and episcleral
vessels
-
Chemosis (swollen conjunctiva)
-
Double vision may occur due to poor
eye movement in
a congested orbit.
Treatment:
-
Refer to the ophthalmologist within
24 hours.
-
Treatment require systemic antibiotics
and analgesia.
 |
Figure 1.
This child has a typical appearance
of orbital cellulitis with swollen and tense right
eyelid and difficulty in openin
the eye. Treatment should involve admission with
intravenous antibiotics. |
|
 |
Figure 2.
This is the CT scan of a 7 year-old
patient with a right orbital cellulitis. Note the
presence of opacity in the right
ethmoid sinus. The orbital cellulitis is caused by
the spread of infection from ethmoid
sinusitis. |
Return
to swollen lids |
|