[Acute ethmoiditis. A review of 38 cases]

G Ricos Furio1, A Gibert Agulló, W Youssef Fasheh

  • 1Servicio de Pediatría, Unidad Integrada de Pediatría, Hospital Clínic-Sant Joan de Déu, Universidad de Barcelona.

Insights

Computerized tomography (CT) scans are valuable for diagnosing orbital complications in children with acute ethmoiditis. Early CT diagnosis aids in timely treatment and prevents surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute ethmoiditis can lead to serious orbital complications in children.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of computerized tomography (CT) scans in diagnosing and managing orbital complications secondary to acute ethmoiditis in pediatric patients.
  • To determine the role of CT in guiding treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patient records from January 1985 to June 1994.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging (CT scans), and treatment outcomes.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on patients with acute ethmoiditis and suspected orbital involvement.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-eight children (mean age 6.5 years) with acute ethmoiditis and eyelid afflictions were studied.
  • CT scans were performed in 63% of patients, revealing orbital complications in 13 (34.2%), including orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, and orbital abscess.
  • Fever, orbital pain, and headache were common symptoms; 28 patients had concurrent sinusitis.

Conclusions:

  • CT scan is an essential tool for diagnosing orbital complications in children with acute ethmoiditis.
  • Indications for CT include signs/symptoms of orbital involvement or lack of improvement after 24-48 hours of antibiotics.
  • Early diagnosis via CT and appropriate antibiotic therapy can prevent the need for surgery.
Abstract

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