ABSTRACT

In our study we aimed to evaluate the clinical features, etiologies and outcomes of treatment in our patients with orbital cellulitis. Medical records of 17 cases diagnosed to have orbital cellulitis between February 1995 and March 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Symptoms of patients, results of ocular and periocular examination, laboratory and radiologic findings, etiologic agents, and medical and surgical treatment modalities administered were recorded. There were 10 male and 7 female patients, and their ages ranged between 2 to 82 years. Follow-up period ranged between 2 months to 9 years. The sources of orbital cellulitis were orbital trauma in 2 cases, intraorbital foreign body in 2 cases, dacryocystitis in 3 patients, paranasal sinusitis in 8 patients, and endogenous spread in 2 cases. One immunosupresive patient was lost despite enucleation and intensive systemic therapy. We did not observe any relapses in our cases, and none of our patients lost their vision after therapy when compared to that before therapy. Orbital abscesses were surgically drained in 2 cases and lesion becoming granulation tissue was excised in 1 case. As a conclusion orbital cellulitis is a life-threatening condition when not treated appropriately and in immunocompromised patients.