Clinical Features of Orbital Cellulitis in Children

Abstract

PURPOSE: The present study reviews the clinical features of orbital cellulitis in childhood for early diagnosis and proper treatment. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective study by computed tomography (CT) on children under 14 years of age diagnosed with orbital cellulitis and admitted to Pusan National University Hospital from 2003 to 2010. RESULTS: In total, 27 patients were identified (range 4 months to 14 years). Periorbital swelling was the most common initiating symptom, followed by fever and conjunctival injection. Paranasal sinus disease was the most common predisposing factor. Preseptal cellulitis was the most common finding, followed by subperiosteal abscess, orbital cellulitis, and orbital abscess. All patients underwent a blood culture; none were positive. Intravenous antibiotics therapy was performed empirically and was effective in all cases. No patients suffered from permanent complications except recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital cellulitis in children presents with periorbital swelling, fever, conjunctival injection in association with sinusitis, and upper respiratory infection (URI). A CT study is a reliable diagnostic option for the early detection and localization in the pediatric orbital cellulitis. Early empirical antibiotic therapy is mandatory for successful treatment.