Ultrasound in pediatric orbital cellulitis
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Ana Falticeanu1, Pierre Tritschler2, Dana Dumitriu3
1Université catholique de Louvain, CHU UCL Namur, Department of Radiology, 1 Avenue Dr G Thérasse, 5530, Yvoir, Belgium, Phone: +32 (0)81 42 35 06 / Fax +32 (0)81 42 35 05. ana.falticeanu@uclouvain.be.
Insights
Orbital cellulitis, a serious sinus infection complication in children, requires prompt diagnosis. Ultrasound is crucial for differentiating preseptal from orbital cellulitis, guiding effective treatment and patient follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- Orbital cellulitis is a rare but severe complication of pediatric sinus infections.
- Early differentiation between preseptal and orbital cellulitis is critical for appropriate management.
Abstract:
Orbital cellulitis is an infrequent but serious complication of sinus infections in children, as was the case of a 7-year-old who presented to the emergency room with ultrasound signs of preseptal cellulitis. Despite a well conducted antibiotic treatment a control ultrasound demonstrated associated signs of retro-septal extension. This case brings to light the essential role of ultrasound in suspected cellulitis, as a mean to differentiate between preseptal cellulitis and retroseptal (orbital) cellulitis. In the paediatric population ultrasound should be the first intention exam to diagnose the extension of the illness, and help guide the management and follow-up of the patients.
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