Acute sinusitis is most often a mild self-limiting disease.
However, it may progress into severe and life threatening
complications. One of the commonest being orbital
complication of which visual loss is a direct consequence. In this 10 year retrospective study, the nature of orbital
complication, clinical presentation and treatment modalities and outcome seen in children with acute sinusitis in a tertiary referral institute were reviewed. Of six patients, there was a case of preseptal cellulitis, 4 cases of subperiosteal abscess and one case of orbital abscess. Periorbital swelling was a common presenting feature. In 5 cases this was associated
with proptosis with one case of impending optic nerve
compression. The value of computed tomography and
opthalmological examination as a component in the
management plan is highlighted. All patients were treated
with intravenous antibiotics but evidence of abscess
collection warranted urgent surgical drainage in 5 patients, 3 being endoscopic drainage while external approach was done for the remaining 2 patients. Thus a child exhibiting orbital complication of acute sinusitis, prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in obtaining the best outcome for the child.