Orbital cellulitis complicating sinusitis: a 15-year review

Abstract

Background: Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the orbital soft tissues behind the orbital septum. Primary sinus infection is the most common cause of orbital cellulites. It is an ocular emergency that threatens not only vision but also life from complications such as meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and brain abscess. Method: A fifteen-year retrospective review (1986 -2000) of all cases of orbital cellulitis, but with special focus on those of sinogenic origin seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Results: Ninety patients were managed. There was a male preponderance (M: F ratio of 2:1) while 84% of the patients were below 20 years of age. Sinogenic orbital cellulitis constituted 57% of the study population (ninety cases) with the left orbit being involved most (55%), while the maxillary sinus had the highest incidence of sinusitis either singly (18%) or combined (65%). Complication of orbital cellulitis was found to be 52%, with no death but 11% became blind due to panophthalmitis. Conclusion: Though antibiotics have altered the course of sinusitis, its grave complications still persist in our environment. It is hoped that a well-structured health education/awareness programme and early referral to specialists will improve the final outcome.

A descriptive study of the patients with orbital complication of acute and chronic sinusitis

“…6 Nwaorgu et al in a retrospective review of 90 patients with orbital cellulitis, found sinogenic origin in 57 % patients. 7 Similarly Choudhary et al in a study of 218 patients of orbital cellulitis, found sinusitis as the most common predisposing factor. 8 In another retrospective study by Saroj Gupta 83.3 % patients presented with orbital cellulites as a complication of acute infective rhino sinusitis.…”

“…10 In a retrospective study of orbital complications, Nwaorgu et al reported that the young are more frequently affected in orbital complications of sinusitis. 7 Sinusitis-related orbital infection is the most common cause of unilateral proptosis in children and the third leading cause in adults, behind Graves' orbitopathy and pseudotumor. 11 Children appear to be more prone to orbital complications, probably secondary to the high incidence of acute rhinosinusitis in the pediatric population.…”

Test, Track and Treat the Devil in the Paranasal Sinuses

“…Multiple fungal species have been identified in patients with AIFR among which Aspergillus and Mucoraceae are the most common pathogens. 5,6 In a 15 year review of 90 patients with orbital cellulitis complicating sinusitis done by Nwaorgu (2004), sinuses were the origin of the infection in 57% patients. 7 In a study of 218 patients of orbital cellulitis, done by Choudhary et al (2007), it was found that sinusitis was the most common predisposing factor.…”

Oculo Orbital Complications of Sinusitis

“…In fact 60 to 75% of inflammatory damages of orbit are consecutive for sinusitis [3] [5]. The predominance of ophthalmological complications for children and young people is usually reported in the majority of the literature series [3] [5]- [7]. In the series of Lui the proportion was lower (38.7%) [8].…”