Orbital Cellultitis

Question 1

What is Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 1

An infection of the tissue within the orbit, around and behind the eye. It can spread to the sinuses and optic nerve, compromising sight and life.

Question 2

What are the signs of Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 2

• Pyrexia (fever)
• Systemic illness
• Severe pain (unlike preseptal cellulitis, which has no pain)
• Swelling of the lids
• Tense orbit
• Proptosis

Question 3

What are the common symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 3

• Pain
• Reduced vision
• Limited ocular movement with pain on movement
• Proptosis
• Chemosis (swollen blood vessels)
• Venous engorgement
• Disc oedema

Question 4

What is proptosis in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 4

Forward displacement of the eye due to swelling in the orbit.

Question 5

What differentiates Orbital Cellulitis from Preseptal Cellulitis?

Answer 5

Orbital Cellulitis causes pain and vision problems, while preseptal cellulitis does not.

Question 6

What is the first step in managing Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 6

Immediate emergency referral (same day).

Question 7

What imaging is recommended for Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 7

A CT scan to assess the extent of the infection.

Question 8

What is the role of broad-spectrum antibiotics in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 8

They are used to treat the infection, given orally or intravenously if needed to act quickly.

Question 9

What antibiotics are commonly used for Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 9

• Clindamycin
• Vancomycin

Question 10

When is intravenous (IV) administration needed for Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 10

When a faster response is required to manage the infection.

Question 11

Why is an ENT consultation necessary in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 11

To evaluate the need for drainage of the sinuses if the infection has spread.

Question 12

What other supportive treatment can be used in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 12

Nasal decongestants to relieve sinus pressure.

Question 13

What is the prognosis of Orbital Cellulitis with prompt treatment?

Answer 13

The prognosis is good with prompt recognition and aggressive medical or surgical treatment.

Question 14

What are the complications of untreated Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 14

It can lead to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, sepsis, and visual loss.

Question 15

What causes disc oedema in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 15

Swelling of the optic nerve due to the spread of infection and increased pressure in the orbit.

Question 16

What is chemosis in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 16

Swelling of the conjunctival blood vessels due to inflammation.

Question 17

What role does pain play in diagnosing Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 17

Severe pain, especially on ocular movement, is a key symptom that distinguishes it from preseptal cellulitis.

Question 18

What does venous engorgement indicate in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 18

It indicates blocked or restricted venous return due to swelling in the orbit.

Question 19

How does Orbital Cellulitis affect vision?

Answer 19

Swelling around the optic nerve and within the orbit can cause reduced vision.

Question 20

Why is swift diagnosis and treatment critical in Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 20

Delays can result in life-threatening complications, including meningitis and permanent vision loss.