Fulminant orbital cellulitis with compartment syndrome and vision loss due to streptococcus pyogenes: A case report

Abstract

: To describe an unusual case of fulminant orbital cellulitis with complete vision loss despite timely medical and surgical management. Orbital cellulitis is an infective condition of the ocular adnexal structures (fat, periorbita, and muscles) behind the orbital septum. A 22-year-old female presented with rapidly progressing orbital cellulitis and was started on empirical intravenous antibiotics. Orbital imaging showing marked proptosis with optic nerve stretching and an extraconal abscess in the medial aspect of left orbit. Emergency lateral canthotomy and orbital decompression was done. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated on culture and antibiotics changed according to the sensitivity pattern. Lid edema, proptosis, and extraocular movements improved but vision deteriorated to absent light perception. Fundus showed disc pallor on follow up. A case of fulminant orbital cellulitis with compartment syndrome and ischemic necrosis of optic nerve is reported, which led to permanent vision loss despite timely antibiotics and surgical management.Despite prompt surgical intervention and administration of intravenous antibiotics, the patient may develop compartment syndrome, ischemic necrosis or infiltration of the optic nerve leading to complete vision loss.Orbital cellulitis is an infective condition of the ocular adnexal structures (fat, periorbita, and muscles) behind the orbital septum. This condition is more common in children and young adults and usually results from a paranasal sinus or any facial infection. The majority of the organisms isolated are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae B and Moraxella catarrhalis. Beta-hemolytic streptococci are rarely implicated. Bacterial cellulitis usually responds well to antibiotics but rarely may result in vision or life-threatening complications.