Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma masquerading as orbital cellulitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Proptosis is a common clinical presentation.
• Differential diagnosis of proptosis often includes orbital cellulitis.
• Prompt diagnosis is essential for effective management.

Observation:

• A patient presented with acute proptosis, eyelid swelling, and chemosis.
• Initial treatment was directed towards presumed cellulitis.
• The patient's condition rapidly deteriorated.

Findings:

• Radiological and pathological assessments revealed large B-cell lymphoma.
• Malignancy was the underlying cause of the proptosis.
• The patient succumbed to the disease within two months.

Implications:

• Proptosis, particularly unilateral, warrants thorough investigation beyond common infections.
• Radiological imaging is critical for identifying underlying malignancies.
• Timely diagnosis of orbital tumors can improve patient outcomes.