Frontal Mucopyocoele Presenting With Recurrent Periorbital Cellulitis: A Delayed Diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Periorbital cellulitis, an infection around the eye, has diverse causes requiring thorough evaluation.
• Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for effective management of periorbital cellulitis.

Observation:

• A 30-year-old male experienced recurrent periorbital cellulitis treated with antibiotics without identifying the root cause.
• Investigations revealed a large, untreated frontal sinus mucopyocoele as the underlying issue.

Findings:

• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery successfully removed the mucopyocoele and restored frontal sinus drainage.
• The patient's symptoms resolved post-surgery, with no recurrence.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering underlying sinonasal pathology in recurrent periorbital cellulitis.
• Clinicians must be vigilant for conditions like mucopyocoele presenting as periorbital swelling and erythema.