Orbital cellulitis

Question 1

Define periorbital cellulitis.

Answer 1

Anterior to orbital septum (pre-septal)

Question 2

Define orbital cellulitis.

Answer 2

Posterior to septum (post-septal) with eye movements affected

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of periorbital/orbital cellulitis?

Answer 3

Insect bites/periorbital trauma –> likely periorbital cellulitis
Sinusitis (frontoethmoidal) –> orbital cellulitis/abscess

Question 4

What is the management of orbital cellulitis?

Answer 4

• Emergency admission
• IV abx (local guidelines)
• Nasal steroids, decongestants, saline drops
• Urgent ENT assessment, ophthalmology +/- paeds
• May need threatre if abscess or no improvement