Epidemiology and Management of Orbital Cellulitis Complicated by Cerebrospinal Disease

Abstract

Orbital cellulitis is defined as an inflammation of the cellulo-fatty tissue of the orbit. Consecutive to an attack by an infectious agent, they are responsible for serious ocular, venous and especially cerebral complications. Cerebral or intracranial complications are responsible for 5 to 25% of mortality cases. The objective was to reveal the seriousness of cerebral complications of orbital cellulitis to contribute to better patient care in our context. Observation: We report three cases of orbital cellulitis received in ophthalmological consultation whose evolution was marked by the occurrence of cerebral complications which involved the functional and vital prognosis of patients. Discussion: Brain damage from orbital cellulitis is rare but remains the most serious complication. Computed tomography confirms the diagnosis. Their management is multidisciplinary and requires close collaboration between ophthalmologists, radiologists, otolaryngologists, and neurosurgeons. It must be rapid and adapted because the delay in consultations and patient care explains the evolution of the pathology towards these fatal outcomes. Orbital cellulitis is an ophthalmological emergency whose medical management should not suffer from any delay. Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis are rare but serious pathologies and responsible for many complications, particularly cerebral. Antibiotic therapy associated with rapid surgical management can considerably improve the vital and functional prognosis.