Orbital Cellulitis

Question 1

Orbital cellulitis is one of the leading causes of what in children?

Answer 1

Exophthalmos

Question 2

What questions should you ask the patient if you are suspecting orbital cellulitis?

Answer 2

Current fever
Recent sinus or dental infection
Recent trauma

Question 3

What are the 4 most common causes of orbital cellulitis?

Answer 3

1. Sinus infection - Es. ethmoid sinusitis
2. Orbital infection - dacryoadenitis, dacryocystitis, preseptal cellulitis
3. Orbital fracture
4. Dental infection

Question 4

Why is ethmoid sinusitis a typically allow for orbital cellulitis?

Answer 4

The lamina papyracea is very thin, and infection can easily get through

Question 5

What organism is usually the cause of orbital cellulitis in adults?

Answer 5

Staph aureus

Question 6

What organism is usually the cause of orbital cellulitis in kids?

Answer 6

H. influenzae

Question 7

What are the typical symptoms of orbital cellulitis?

Answer 7

Decreased VA
Headache
Fever
Pain on EOM due to restrictions
APD
Diplopia
Proptosis
Red eye
Pain
Malaise
Reduced color vision

Question 8

Orbital celluitis may result in what 3 subsequent conditions?

Answer 8

Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Brain abscess
Meningitis

Question 9

What is mucormycosis?

Answer 9

Aggressive fungal infection that can be life threatening

Question 10

Patients with what 2 conditions may be prone to mucormycosis from orbital cellulitis?

Answer 10

Diabetes

Immunocompromise

Question 11

What is the characteristic finding of mucormycosis?

Answer 11

“Black eschar” - black necrotic tissue in the mouth and nose