Orbital Complications of Acute Rhinosinusitis in Children
Clinical Otolaryngology Online
Keyword(s)
preseptal cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, periorbital abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis
Children frequently present to their primary care providers with acute
rhinosinusitis, and while most of these infections resolve without incident,
orbital and intracranial spread of infection can occur. Rhinosinusitis is the most common cause of
orbital infections in children and orbital subperiosteal abscess is the most
common complication of acute sinusitis. It is usually secondary to acute ethmoid sinus disease. Spread of infection into the orbit can
occur by direct extension or by hematogenous spread through the valveless
communicating veins. Infection in the orbit can have serious sequelae,
resulting in blindness or even death if not identified and treated
appropriately. This interactive case
module will provide an algorithm for the evaluation and management of a child
with suspected orbital spread of acute rhinosinusitis.
Credit Information
AAPA:0.25