Our experience in the management of orbital complications in acute rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The spread of an infection from the paranasal sinuses is rare but severe. Between 4% and 20% of all rhinosinusitis can become complicated, orbital involvement being the most frequent (60-75%). Orbital complications are more common in children but more severe in adults. We aim to analyse the epidemiological characteristics of these patients and to propose a management algorithm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective review of 21 patients with orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis diagnosed in the same institution from 2005 to 2018. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, endoscopic examination and imaging tests. All patients received an intravenous antibiotic and were assessed by ophthalmology. An immediate surgical treatment was performed in the case of an abscess or poor response to medical management.

RESULTS

The average age was 24 years. Fifty-two percent were males and 48% females. According to Chandler's classification, 43% (9/21) had preseptal cellulitis (7 adults and 2 children), 10% (2/21) orbital cellulitis (one adult and one child), 43% (9/21) subperiosteal abscess (2 adults and 7 children), there was one case of orbital abscess in an adult and there were no cases of cavernous sinus thrombosis. A CT scan was performed in all patients and the cases of subperiosteal or orbital abscess were treated surgically, except 2 paediatric patients (<4 years) with a small and medial subperiosteal abscess (<4mm) who responded well to medical treatment. The surgical approach is performed by endonasal endoscopy, perforating the lamina papyracea in cases of subperiosteal abscess and also opening the periorbita in orbital abscess. It was combined with an external palpebral approach in the 4 cases that presented a superior or lateral abscess. Two young adults (10%) presented an intracranial complication concomitantly.

CONCLUSION

Orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis are rare but potentially severe. It is important to be aware of and suspect them in order to act quickly. It is essential to define the location and extension of the infection for correct management, as well as multidisciplinary treatment. The surgical approach is performed by endonasal endoscopy. It is limited by abscesses located on the roof of the orbit or on the lateral wall, when a combined external palpebral approach is required.