Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, MYS
  • 2 Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, MYS
  • 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, MYS
Cureus, 2023 Dec;15(12):e50693.
PMID: 38229775 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50693

Abstract

This is a case of an orbital abscess evidenced radiologically in a 41-year-old female with no comorbidities. She was healthy and had no history of trauma or infection of the adjacent structures. She denied having symptoms of upper or lower respiratory and urinary tract infections. The decision for surgical drainage was made following a slow response to antimicrobial agents after 24 hours, a progressive painful erythematous eyelid swelling, and further deterioration of vision. Her clinical condition and visual acuity improved following cutaneous incision and drainage. Culture and sensitivity results for urine and orbital abscess were positive for Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The patient regained full visual recovery without any sequelae. In conclusion, an orbital abscess is a blinding and life-threatening condition that rarely occurs in immunocompetent individuals and uncommonly arises from distant sources. A high index of suspicion, early institution of appropriate diagnostic imaging, and aggressive medical and surgical treatment are necessary for a favorable visual outcome in orbital abscess cases.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.