Orbital cellulitis, orbital subperiosteal and intraorbital abscess: report of three cases and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Orbital cellulitis is usually a complication of paranasal sinus infection. Either the infection may dissect under the periosteum and lead to subperiosteal abscess (SPA) or intraorbital abscess may be formed secondary to a progressive and localized cellulitis. Without appropriate treatment orbital infection may lead to serious complications, even death.

REPORT OF CASES: Three cases are described, one of orbital cellulitis, one of SPA and one of intraorbital abscess and the literature is being reviewed.

CONCLUSION: Prompt treatment is mandatory to avoid visual loss or intracranial complications. Initially, IV antibiotics may be administered, but if no improvement appears within 48h, surgical drainage of the orbit and the affected sinuses must be performed. In medial or medial-inferior SPA a transnasal approach is used, but in superior orbital abscess an external incision is required.