Pediatria pre prax 6/2011

Acute orbital cellulitis – diagnostics and treatment

Acute orbital cellulitis is the most common disease in childhood. In 85 % of cases arising from infection of the paranasal sinuses, the transfer from surrounding skin inflammation, after penetrating injury of the orbit or the hematogenous transfer is possible. The patient is threatened mainly temporary or permanent loss of visual acuity, intracranial spread of infection, usually by the cavernous sinus and the consequent risk of sepsis with an overall alteration of the state. The therapy is the overall administration of broad spectrum antibiotics. Although the results of early treatment are very good, preservation of visual acuity is not always obvious.

Keywords: orbital cellulitis, abscess, endoscopic endonasal surgery