Recurrent orbital complication by rhinosinusitis. A case report

Orbital infection is the most frequent complication of ethmoiditis. Recurrent periorbital cellulitis is a very rare complication of rhinosinusitis with only three reports in the literature describing this pathological process. This complication can be favored by an anatomical abnormality of the uncinate process or mucocele obstructing the normal drainage pathway, in addition to ethmoidal sinusitis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance guide the diagnosis. The treatment is based on antibiotics, corticosteroids and local decongestants. Surgical treatment is indicated in the absence of response to treatment established after 48 hours or decrease in visual acuity or recurrent orbital complications without underlying tumor pathology. In this report, we present a case of orbital complication of rhinosinusitis in a 4 year-old-child with six episodes of unilateral periorbital cellulitis and one episode of subperiosteal orbital abscess since the age of 3 months. There was a complete resolution with no recurrence after the surgical intervention.