Complicated periorbital cellulitis: case report and literature review

Periorbital cellulitis secondary to rhinosinusitis is common. However, very rarely this can be complicated by a lacrimal gland abscess. We report such a case.

We present a case report and literature review concerning lacrimal gland abscess secondary to periorbital cellulitis.

Due to the location of this condition, prompt assessment and management is vital to avoid potential ophthalmological and neurological complications. Our patient failed to respond to initial conservative medical treatment, and was subsequently identified as having a lacrimal gland abscess, confirmed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Following definitive surgical treatment, the patient's clinical course improved. This case furthers our knowledge of this condition, and adds to the two previously reported paediatric cases.

This case emphasises the importance of prompt management, and the fact that failure of clinical improvement following orbital decompression should alert the clinician to the rare possibility of an associated lacrimal gland abscess. The case also emphasises the key role of imaging and a multidisciplinary team approach when managing this condition.