Orbital cellulitis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the orbital tissues. Patients present with sudden onset of fever, proptosis, restricted eye movement, and swelling and redness of the eye lids. It is usually caused by a previous sinusitis. Other causes include infection of nearby structures, trauma and previous surgery.

Because of concern for spread of infection, patients must be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous antibiotics. Complications include cavernous sinus thrombosis and meningitis. Abscess formation is another complication and may require surgical drainage.

Orbital cellulitis is considered an ophthalmological emergency.

[edit] See also

• Periorbital cellulitis

[edit] External links

• University of Toronto
• MedlinePlus.

[edit] References

• Howe L, Jones N (2004). "Guidelines for the management of periorbital cellulitis/abscess". Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci 29 (6): 725–8. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2273.2004.00889.x. PMID 15533168.