A ten year retrospective review of orbital complications secondary to acute sinusitis in children

• Published in: Medical journal of Malaysia Vol. 65; no. 1; pp. 49 - 52
• Main Authors: Suhaili, D N Pengiran, Goh, B S, Gendeh, B S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysia 01.03.2010
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Orbital Diseases - etiology; Retrospective Studies; Sinusitis - complications; Sinusitis - drug therapy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0300-5283

Acute sinusitis is most often a mild self-limiting disease. However, it may progress into severe and life threatening complications. One of the commonest being orbital complication of which visual loss is a direct consequence. In this 10 year retrospective study, the nature of orbital complication, clinical presentation and treatment modalities and outcome seen in children with acute sinusitis in a tertiary referral institute were reviewed. Of six patients, there was a case of preseptal cellulitis, 4 cases of subperiosteal abscess and one case of orbital abscess. Periorbital swelling was a common presenting feature. In 5 cases this was associated with proptosis with one case of impending optic nerve compression. The value of computed tomography and opthalmological examination as a component in the management plan is highlighted. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics but evidence of abscess collection warranted urgent surgical drainage in 5 patients, 3 being endoscopic drainage while external approach was done for the remaining 2 patients. Thus a child exhibiting orbital complication of acute sinusitis, prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in obtaining the best outcome for the child.