Orbital complications of sinusitis in children

Abstract

Sinus infections remain very common. Recently, complications of sinus infection have greatly decreased with progress in antibiotic treatment. Acute infection of the sinuses, however, can sometimes causes serious orbital and intracranial complications. We treated 4 pediatric cases of sinusitis with orbital complications. In 3 of these cases, orbital cellulitis was diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) and successfully managed using intravenous antibiotics alone. In the remaining case, CT failed to detect subperiosteal abscess of the orbit, but magnetic resonance imaging provided evidence of the need for surgical drainage. Some reports have recommended individual non-surgical management of subperiosteal abscess of the orbit. Indications, timing and approach for surgical drainage remain contentious.