A case of visual impairment caused by an orbital abscess due to odontogenic maxillary sinusitis

Abstract

We describe our experience with a case of visual impairment caused by an orbital abscess due to an acute odontogenic maxillary sinus infection in a 31-year-old man. After the treatment of a periapical lesion of the left upper second premolar at a dental clinic, infection progressed to an orbital abscess. He was referred to our hospital by an ophthalmologic clinic.
We administered antibiotics, performed maxillary sinus osteotomy, incised the upper and lower eyelids, and extracted the infected tooth to allow pus drainage and irrigation. His condition improved after treatment, but at presentation he had already lost the visual acuity of his left eye. We would like to stress the importance of hospital-clinic coordination and a team approach to medical treatment.