Echographical diagnosis of orbital subperiosteal abscesses and hematomas in paranasal sinus diseases

Abstract

Report on the echographical findings in six patients suffering from paranasal sinusitis with subperiosteal abscess formation, and in four further patients with a subperiosteal hematoma following blunt midface injuries. A-scan sonography showed a low to medium reflective, sharply outlined lesion that was delineated by two very high spikes from the detached periorbita and the bony orbital wall. the B-scan presented an echo-free area parallel to the bone of the corresponding orbital wall. Location, extension, progression or regression under therapy could be evaluated in the follow-up by echography.