IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Orbital and periorbital cellulitis

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Four days with fever, hyaline rhinorrhea, dry cough. The patient has been on homeopathic treatment for three days. A slight swelling began three days ago on left eyelid. Now she can not open the left eye.

Patient Data

Age: 2 years
Gender: Female

CT orbits

ct

There is increased attenuation of fat planes of the left peri-orbital area with extraconal extension along the medial rectus muscle. It is also noted a slight compression on the orbit. The intraconal region is preserved and there is no extension to the central nervous system.

Case Discussion

Orbital cellulitis is a postseptal infectious process most commonly caused by paranasal sinusitis, which spreads to the orbit via a perivascular pathway 1.

Periorbital cellulitis, which is defined as a preseptal process limited to the soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum, most commonly arises from the contiguous spread of infection from adjacent structures such as the face, teeth, and ocular adnexa 1.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.