A case of subperiosteal abscess of the orbit with central retinal artery occlusion

To report a rare case of orbital subperiosteal abscess with central retinal artery occlusion that resulted in blindness.

A 60-year-old previously healthy woman was referred to the hospital with 4-day history of orbital cellulitis, progressive left eye pain, eyelid swelling, and 1-day history of visual impairment. The patient was diagnosed with subperiosteal abscess of the orbit on diagnostic imaging.

An emergent surgical intervention was performed due to prominent visual impairment. One day after surgery, ophthalmoscopic examination revealed cherry-red spot of the left fundus and central retinal artery occlusion. The final vision of the left eye was no light perception.

Central retinal artery occlusion, which is a therapeutic emergency, can be associated with acute progression of space-occupying lesion in the orbit such as subperiosteal abscess.