Infective Endocarditis Presenting as Bilateral Orbital Cellulitis: An Unusual Case

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Orbital cellulitis is a serious orbital infection, commonly caused by rhinosinusitis, trauma, or surgery.
• Infective endocarditis (IE) is a systemic infection originating from heart valves, with potential for septic emboli to affect the eyes.
• Ocular complications of IE typically include Roth's spots, hemorrhages, chorioretinitis, and endophthalmitis.

Observation:

• This report details an exceptionally rare instance of bilateral orbital cellulitis.
• The cause of this severe orbital infection was identified as infective endocarditis (IE).
• IE is an infrequently reported cause of orbital cellulitis, with only one prior author documenting it.

Findings:

• The case presented demonstrates a rare complication of infective endocarditis, leading to bilateral orbital cellulitis.
• This finding underscores the potential for IE to manifest with severe ophthalmic complications beyond the classically described ocular findings.
• The management of this rare presentation is also discussed.

Implications:

• Increased awareness among clinicians regarding IE as a potential cause of orbital cellulitis is crucial.
• Prompt diagnosis and management of IE are essential to prevent severe ocular and systemic complications.
• This case contributes to the limited literature on IE-induced orbital cellulitis, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach.