Subperiosteal orbital hematoma. An unusual complication of sinusitis.

The orbital complications of paranasal sinus infection are well known to otolaryngologists. However, only a few articles have reported subperiosteal orbital hematoma as one of these complications. It is a rare but well-recognized entity in ophthalmology, usually caused by trauma. A case of subperiosteal orbital hematoma secondary to ethmoidal sinusitis is presented. The relevant clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis of subperiosteal orbital hematoma, as well as treatment options, are reviewed and presented as they apply to cases associated with sinusitis.