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Preseptal cellulitis and infraorbital abscess as a complication of a routine COVID-19 swab
Balazs Fazekas1, Bence Fazekas2, Eyad Darraj3
1Ophthalmology, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton-In-Ashfield, UK balazs.fazekas@nhs.net.
Abstract:
This case report describes a significant complication of a routine COVID-19 swab in a previously fit and well young patient who developed preseptal cellulitis and an infraorbital abscess as a consequence of the mentioned nasal swabbing. Other authors have previously reported various complications in connection with the use of nasal swabs, including retained swab fragments, epistaxis and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. To our knowledge, to date, this is the first reported case of an abscess as a consequence of COVID-19 swabbing. There has been a clear growth in the use of nasal swabbing worldwide over the last 9 months and many healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 prevention may not be aware of the potential risks of nasopharyngeal swabbing. The presented case highlights the need for better awareness of the complications of these routine tests and we hope that it will also lead to their safer implementation.
Insights
A routine COVID-19 swab caused a rare complication: an abscess. This case highlights the need for healthcare workers to be aware of potential risks associated with nasopharyngeal swabbing procedures.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal swabs are widely used for COVID-19 testing.
- Previous reports detail complications like epistaxis and CSF leaks from nasal swabs.
Observation:
- A young, healthy patient developed preseptal cellulitis and an infraorbital abscess after a COVID-19 nasal swab.
- This represents a previously undocumented complication of nasopharyngeal swabbing.
Findings:
- The patient's condition was a direct consequence of the routine nasal swabbing procedure.
- This is the first reported instance of an abscess forming secondary to COVID-19 swabbing.
Implications:
- Increased awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the potential risks of nasopharyngeal swabbing is crucial.
- Safer implementation protocols for COVID-19 testing procedures are needed to prevent such complications.
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