Periorbital Cellulitis

Some medical conditions have signs and symptoms that significantly overlap, making a diagnosis a little more difficult. Epididymitis, testicular torsion, and torsion of the testicular appendage are examples, but orbital and preseptal cellulitis are others that can cause significant diagnostic confusion - Larry Mellick, MD

Periorbital Cellulitis
Periorbital Cellulitis

image by: Billy Brittain

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Preceptal Cellulitis (Periorbital Cellulitis) Management

Preseptal cellulitis (also called periorbital cellulitis) is an infection of the anterior portion of the eyelid. It does not involve the orbit or other ocular structures. In contrast, orbital cellulitis involves the content of the orbit, but not the globe. Preseptal infections are generally mild, while orbital cellulitis can lead to loss of vision or even loss of life.

This describes management of preseptal cellulitis, and also how to rule out more serious orbital involvement. The paranasal sinuses are the main source of orbital infections, but most preseptal cellulitis arises from an external source, such as trauma, insect bites, or foreign bodies. The most common bacteria causing…

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 Preceptal Cellulitis (Periorbital Cellulitis) Management

Preseptal cellulitis (also called periorbital cellulitis) is an infection of the anterior portion of the eyelid. It does not involve the orbit or other ocular structures. In contrast, orbital cellulitis involves the content of the orbit, but not the globe. Preseptal infections are generally mild, while orbital cellulitis can lead to loss of vision or even loss of life. This describes management of preseptal cellulitis, and also how to rule out more serious orbital involvement. The paranasal sinuses are the main source of orbital infections, but most preseptal cellulitis arises from an external source, such as trauma, insect bites, or foreign bodies.

WikEM

CT Orbit with IV contrast if: Concern for orbital cellulitis-i.e. equivocal assessment of proptosis, red eye, EOM function or pain w/ eye movement Unable to accurately assess vision (e.g. age <1yr)

StatPearls

Periorbital cellulitis is sometimes called preseptal cellulitis. It is is a skin and soft tissue infection around the eye that is anterior to the orbital septum. Serious complications of periorbital cellulitis are rare, however a more serious condition called orbital cellulitis is sometimes misdiagnosed as periorbital cellulitis. Periorbital cellulitis is most common in children and primarily caused by trauma or sinusitis.

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