Orbital Cellulitis:
patients with active infection of the orbital soft tissue posterior
to the orbital septum may present with fever, proptosis, chemosis,
restriction of motility and pain on movement of globe. Orbital
cellulitis can occur in adults and is the most common cause of
proptosis in children. Usually the orbital infection is due to
a secondary spread from the sinuses through the medial wall. Occasionally
the cellulitis is secondary to recent trauma. If the orbital apex
is involved, decreased vision and pupillary abnormalities can
occur. A CT scan is needed to evaluate the extent of the disease,
to rule-out a subperiosteal or orbital abscess, and to depict
sinus or intracranial involvement. Treatment consists of hospital
admission, culturing of any discharge and systemic antibiotics.
Surgical drainage of abscesses are often performed, especially
if the patient has not responded appropriately to medical treatment.
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