Orbital Cellulitis

Question 1

What is orbital cellulitis?

Answer 1

Infection affecting the fat and muscles posterior to the orbital septum, usually caused by spreading URTI

Question 2

What are risk factors for orbital cellulitis?

Answer 2

• Childhood
• Previous sinus infection
• Lack of HiB vaccine
• Pre-orbital cellulitis
• Ear infection

Question 3

How does orbital cellulitis present?

Answer 3

• Pain with eye movement
• Periocular swelling/redness (swollen eyelids, conjunctiva - differentiates from preorbital)
• Pupil involvement and visual changes (blurred vision, decreased acuity, diplopia)
• Palsy (impaired eye movements due to swelling)
• Fever, malaise

Question 4

How is orbital cellulitis investigated?

Answer 4

• FBC with raised WBC, inflammatory markers
• CT with contrast
• Culture/Swab to determine cause

Question 5

How is orbital cellulitis managed?

Answer 5

• Admission to hospital for IV Abx