Fatal orbital cellulitis with intracranial complications: a case report

Orbital cellulitis is a relatively uncommon presentation in the emergency department, but orbital cellulitis complicated by intracranial extensions, loss of vision, and death has rarely been reported in the literature.

We report a 40-year-old Pakistani diabetic male complaining of 5 days of bilateral eye pain, proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, headache, and fever. A diagnosis of orbital cellulitis with intracranial extension was made. A computed tomography (CT) scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done on the patient and showed unremarkable orbits, extensive sinusitis, frontal abscess, and multiple septic emboli. The patient was admitted and on day 9 deteriorated and died.

Orbital cellulitis associated with intracranial extension is an extremely rare presentation, and the incidence is unknown. The use of contrast-enhanced imaging studies (CT/MRI) early on in the management of suspected orbital cellulitis is supported by the literature. Cerebritis and brain abscesses resulting from orbital cellulitis need advanced care from multidisciplinary teams. Further studies need to be done to provide recommendations on the use and benefit of surgical intervention.