Odontogenic Orbital Abscess in Paediatric Patients: Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Three Cases

Paediatric orbital abscesses represent true emergencies requiring immediate recognition and multidisciplinary management to prevent permanent vision loss and life-threatening complications.

We present three paediatric cases of orbital abscess (ages two, six, and eight years) presenting to emergency departments. Cases were analysed for emergency presentation patterns, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes.

All patients presented with periorbital swelling and fever, and all three cases originated from odontogenic infections. Emergency CT imaging was crucial for diagnosis. Multidisciplinary management involving emergency medicine, ENT, and maxillofacial surgery achieved excellent outcomes with no visual or neurological complications.

Emergency physicians must maintain high clinical suspicion for orbital abscess in children with periorbital swelling and fever. Immediate CT imaging, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and emergency surgical interventions can prevent catastrophic complications.