Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis

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Orbital cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a potentially sight-threatening and life-threatening (but uncommon) ophthalmic emergency characterised by infection of the soft tissues behind the orbital septum. It can occur at any age, although it is most commonly seen in children. It usually originates from locally spreading infection[2] .

Orbital cellulitis is characterised by eyelid oedema, erythema and chemosis, with orbital signs (such as proptosis, gaze restriction and blurred or double vision) and systemic signs (such as fever).

Preseptal cellulitis

Preseptal cellulitis is a much more common and less serious infection anterior to the orbital septum. It is common in young children. It rarely involves post-septal anatomy. Physical examination reveals eyelid oedema in the absence of orbital signs such as gaze restriction and proptosis[3] .

Very occasionally, preseptal cellulitis progresses to orbital cellulitis; this is more likely in children. Orbital cellulitis and preseptal cellulitis are not terms that can be used interchangeably. However, there is some overlap in presenting features. When diagnosing preseptal cellulitis it is therefore essential to consider orbital cellulitis in the differential diagnosis.

Upper respiratory infection and sinusitis are the most important predisposing factors for periocular infection in children. Streptococcus spp. are the predominant causative agents[2] .

Anatomy

The orbital septum is a membraneous sheet which acts as the anterior boundary of the orbit. It arises from the periosteum around the orbital margin. Centrally, it fuses into the tarsal plates. It effectively separates the eyelids from the contents of the orbital cavity.

The orbital septum separates the intra-orbital fat from eyelid fat and orbicularis oculi muscle. It provides a barrier against spread of infection between the preseptal space anteriorly to post-septal space (the orbit proper).

Orbital cellulitis: pathophysiology[3]

Orbital cellulitis occurs when infection develops in the post-septal orbit, through local or haematogenous spread. Possible infection sources include:

  • Extension of an infection from the periorbital structures. This is the most common route. Infections which may breach the orbital septum and extend in this way include the paranasal sinuses, especially ethmoid sinusitis, the face, the globe, the lacrimal sac and dental infection via intermediary maxillary sinusitis.
  • Extension of preseptal cellulitis, particularly in young children in whom the orbital septum is not fully developed. This is a less common route of infection[1] .
  • Direct inoculation of the orbit from trauma. Post-traumatic orbital cellulitis tends to develop within 72 hours of the injury.
  • Post-surgery - including orbital, lacrimal, strabismus and vitreoretinal surgery.
  • Haematogenous spread from distant bacteraemia.

The pathogens most commonly involved are the aerobic, non-spore-forming bacteria - Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae (the latter mainly found in children)[4] . Meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is is a frequent causative organism[5] .

Mucormycosis is a rare cause. This very rare and rapidly spreading infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales is often fatal. Risk factors, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and neutropenia, are present in most cases. Severe infection of the facial sinuses is the most common presentation[6] .

Preseptal cellulitis: pathophysiology[5]

Cellulitis anterior to the orbital septum is usually caused by the spread of local infection. Usual sources are:

  • Local skin trauma such as lacerations and insect bites.
  • Spread from local infection such as dacryocystitis, hordeolum and paranasal sinuses[1] .
  • Spread from distant infection from the face, or from the upper respiratory tract .

The most common pathogenic organisms are S. aureus, S. epidermidis, streptococci and anaerobes. MRSA has also been isolated.

Anthrax is a potential cause of preseptal cellulitis[7] . Smallpox, should there ever be a recurrence, is also a cause. More recently, it has been reported as a complication of exposure to smallpox vaccine[8] .

The orbital septum limits spread to associated structures such as the central nervous system.

  • Orbital cellulitis is much less common than preseptal cellulitis although data relating to the incidence are scant.
  • Both conditions occur more commonly in the winter months as a result of the increased incidence of paranasal sinus infection. The frequency of orbital complications from sinus infection ranges from 0.5% to 3.9%[3] .
  • There is no predilection for gender or race (except in children where orbital cellulitis affects boys twice as much as girls)[2] .
  • Both conditions are more common in children. Orbital cellulitis more frequently affects those aged 7-12 years. Preseptal cellulitis more frequently affects younger children (median age 5 years in one study[10] .
  • Preseptal and orbital cellulitis have both been described following eyebrow piercing[11] .

Children with red swollen eyes frequently present to emergency departments. Differentiation between preseptal and orbital cellulitis can be difficult in the early stages, so a degree of suspicion is essential. Delayed recognition of the signs and symptoms of orbital cellulitis can lead to serious complications such as total loss of vision, meningitis and cerebral abscess[12] .

Features which should increase the suspicion of orbital cellulitis include decreased visual acuity, proptosis and external ophthalmoplegia. Temperature greater than 37.5°C and leukocytosis resulting in fever are more prominent features in the paediatric group.

Preseptal cellulitis

  • Acute onset of swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness of the eyelid.
  • Eyelid oedema in the absence of orbital signs such as gaze restriction and proptosis.
  • Fever, malaise, irritability in children.
  • Ptosis.

Orbital cellulitis[3]

  • Anterior features:
    • Acute onset of unilateral swelling of conjunctiva and lids.
    • Oedema, erythema, pain, chemosis.
  • Orbital features: external eye muscle ophthalmoplegia and proptosis are the most common. Decreased visual acuity and chemosis are less frequently seen:
    • Proptosis (there may be exposure keratopathy).
    • Pain with movement of the eye, restriction of eye movements.
    • Blurred vision, reduced visual acuity.
    • Diplopia.
    • Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). See the separate Examination of the Eye article.
    • Involvement of the optic nerve may produce papilloedema or neuritis with rapidly progressing atrophy resulting in complete loss of vision.
  • Systemic features:
    • Fever.
    • Severe malaise.
  • Diagnosis is usually made based on the clinical findings and investigations are aimed at identifying the root cause of the infection.
  • Investigations are carried out in the hospital setting.
  • FBC frequently shows a leukocytosis (>15 x 109) but blood cultures are frequently negative in adults with either condition.
  • Any discharge from skin breaks should be swabbed and sent to microbiology. Throat swabs and samples of nasal secretions may also help diagnosis.
  • CT of the sinuses and orbit ± brain is indicated for children and if orbital cellulitis is suspected in an adult:
    • If intracranial abscess is suspected, CT is the gold standard imaging modality to identify subperiosteal abscesses, paranasal sinusitis or cavernous sinus thrombosis, and for retained orbital or intraocular foreign body.
  • MRI may complement CT in diagnosing cavernous sinus thrombosis.
  • If cerebral or meningeal signs develop, lumbar puncture is indicated. However, a lumbar puncture is contra-indicated for suspected orbital cellulitis until a CT scan has ruled out raised intracranial pressure[13] .

Emergency referral

Emergency referral to secondary care is required for:

  • All children with suspected preseptal cellulitis, as they should be considered to have orbital cellulitis until proven otherwise[12] .
  • Any patient with suspected orbital cellulitis.
  • All patients with features of either condition who are systemically unwell.
  • All patients in whom there is doubt over the diagnosis.
  • Any patient not responding to treatment for preseptal cellulitis.
  • When drainage of a lid abscess is required.

Preseptal cellulitis[12, 14]

  • Children are initially admitted to hospital, as they should be considered to have orbital cellulitis until proven otherwise (ie repeated examinations normal, good response to antibiotics in the first 24 hours and normal CT scan).
  • Oral co-amoxiclav may be used both for adults and for children as long as there is no allergy to penicillin. Clinical improvement should occur over 24-48 hours.
  • Hospital management may involve intravenous therapy (eg, intravenous ceftriaxone until response is seen) and further investigation to confirm preseptal cellulitis (only) and that there are no unusual organisms involved.
  • The ENT team is generally consulted if sinusitis is present.

Orbital cellulitis[14]

  • Hospital admission is mandatory, usually under the joint care of ophthalmologists and the ENT surgeons[12] .
  • Co-amoxiclav is the first-choice antibiotic. It should be given orally unless the person has difficulty with oral medication or is very unwell, in which case IV administration should be instituted.
  • If co-amoxiclav is contra-indicated or there is penicillin allergy, clindamycin with metronidazole should be tried, either orally or intravenously.
  • For severe infections, oral or intravenous clindamycin, or intravenous cefuroxime or ceftriaxone may be considered.
  • If MRSA is suspected or confirmed, intravenous vancomycin or teicoplanin or oral or intravenous linezolid should be added to one of the regimes outlined above.
  • Optic nerve function is monitored four-hourly (pupillary reactions, visual acuity, colour vision and light brightness appreciation).
  • Treatment lasts for seven days.
  • Surgery is indicated where there is CT evidence of an orbital collection, where there is no response to antibiotic treatment, where visual acuity decreases and where there is an atypical picture which may warrant a diagnostic biopsy. Drainage of infected sinuses may be performed at the same time[4] .

Preseptal cellulitis

  • Progression of infection to orbital cellulitis, especially in young children.
  • Unusual complications include:
    • Lagophthalmos (inability to close the eyelids completely over the globe).
    • Lid abscess.
    • Cicatricial ectropion.
    • Lid necrosis.

Orbital cellulitis[3]

  • Ocular:
    • Exposure keratopathy (which can lead to visual loss through permanent damage to the cornea).
    • Raised intraocular pressure.
    • Central retinal artery or vein occlusion.
    • Endophthalmitis.
    • Optic neuropathy.
  • Orbital abscess:
    • More often associated with post-traumatic orbital cellulitis.
    • Total loss of vision can occur through direct extension of the infection to the optic nerve.
  • Subperiosteal abscess:
    • Usually located along the medial orbital wall. This may progress intracranially.
  • Intracranial (rare):
    • Meningitis.
    • Brain abscess.
    • Cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Preseptal cellulitis

Prompt diagnosis and treatment usually result in an uncomplicated course and full recovery.

Orbital cellulitis[3]

Early recognition and appropriate treatment carry a good prognosis, particularly in the absence of complications. However, immunosuppressed individuals are more susceptible to complications. Fungal cellulitis, which is associated with immune impairment and with diabetic ketoacidosis, has a high rate of mortality.

Haemophilus infection

H. influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination.

Preseptal cellulitis

Prophylactic antibiotics are prudent in the management of surgical and accidental trauma to the eyelid. Chloramphenicol ointment is a good first choice, applied qds to the clean wound for a week. Traumatic lid laceration also benefits from a review after 48-72 hours to identify emerging preseptal cellulitis early.

Orbital cellulitis

There is no specific preventative management other than the optimal treatment of precipitative factors such as sinusitis and, in cases of ocular trauma and ocular surgery, the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

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Further reading and references

  • Stead TG, Retana A, Houck J, et al; Preseptal and Postseptal Orbital Cellulitis of Odontogenic Origin. Cureus. 2019 Jul 611(7):e5087. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5087.

  • Nishikawa Y, Oku H, Tonari M, et al; C-reactive protein may be useful to differentiate idiopathic orbital inflammation and orbital cellulitis in cases with acute eyelid erythema and edema. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018 Jun 2612:1149-1153. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S164306. eCollection 2018.

  1. Clinical management guidelines: Cellulitis preseptal and orbital, The College of Optometrists, 2019

  2. Hamed-Azzam S, AlHashash I, Briscoe D, et al; Common Orbital Infections ~ State of the Art ~ Part I. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2018 Apr-Jun13(2):175-182. doi: 10.4103/jovr.jovr_199_17.

  3. Chaudhry IA, Al-Rashed W, Arat YO; The hot orbit: orbital cellulitis. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2012 Jan19(1):34-42. doi: 10.4103/0974-9233.92114.

  4. Georgakopoulos CD, Eliopoulou MI, Stasinos S, et al; Periorbital and orbital cellulitis: a 10-year review of hospitalized children. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2010 Nov-Dec20(6):1066-72.

  5. Bae C et al; Periorbital Cellulitis, 2020.

  6. Nicolae M, Popescu CR, Popescu B, et al; Orbital complications of fungal pan-sinusitis in uncontrolled diabetes. Maedica (Buchar). 2013 Sep8(3):276-9.

  7. Ekinci M, Cagatay HH, Huseyinoglu N, et al; Optic Atrophy Secondary to Preseptal Cutaneous Anthrax: Case Report. Neuroophthalmology. 2014 Jul 2238(4):220-223. doi: 10.3109/01658107.2013.874453. eCollection 2014.

  8. Hu G, Wang MJ, Miller MJ, et al; Ocular vaccinia following exposure to a smallpox vaccinee. Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Mar137(3):554-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2003.09.013.

  9. Mohd-Ilham I, Muhd-Syafi AB, Khairy-Shamel ST, et al; Clinical characteristics and outcomes of paediatric orbital cellulitis in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia: a five-year review. Singapore Med J. 2019 Oct 8. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2019121.

  10. Santos JC, Pinto S, Ferreira S, et al; Pediatric preseptal and orbital cellulitis: A 10-year experience. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 May120:82-88. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.02.003. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

  11. Carelli R, Fimiani F, Iovine A, et al; Ocular complications of eyebrow piercing. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2008 May-Jun45(3):184-5.

  12. Rashed F, Cannon A, Heaton PA, et al; Diagnosis, management and treatment of orbital and periorbital cellulitis in children. Emerg Nurse. 2016 Apr24(1):30-5

  13. Periorbital and Orbital Cellulitis - Clinical Practice Guidelines; The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne

  14. Cellulitis and erysipelas: antimicrobial prescribing; NICE Guidance (September 2019)

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