Orbital complications secondary to acute sinusitis– A 10 years retrospective review

Orbital complication may accompany acute sinusitis in all age, commonly preseptal or orbital cellulitis. To evaluate the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of orbital complications of sinusitis in patients treated at our institution. A case study of retrospective review of 10 patients with orbital complications secondary to acute sinusitis was conducted in our center over a 10-year period. The clinical presentation, relevant investigations, management and outcome were analysed. Most of the patients were children. The most common diagnosis was sub-periosteal abscess (SPOA) in five patients (50%), followed by two cases each of preseptal cellulitis, and orbital cellulitis and one of orbital abscess. CT scan plays a major role in diagnosis and disease monitoring. Surgical drainage is recommended in managing orbital abscesses, but we highlight a case of a small orbital abscess which was successfully managed conservatively. The clinical examination alone is not always helpful and therefore a CT scan is useful to diagnose and monitor the extent of the intraorbital infection. Rigorous medical treatment has an important role not only in preseptal and orbital cellulitis, but also in SPOA and small orbital abscess.