The role of computed tomography (CT)‎ scans in the management of orbital cellulitis

Abstract EN

Aim: to evaluate the role of CT scan in evaluating hospitalized patients for suspected orbital cellulitis.

Method: this retrospective study was conducted at prince Rashid Bin Al Hassan Military hospital and Princess Haya Military hospital.

All patients who were admitted to the hospital for suspicion of orbital cellulitis and underwent orbital and sinuses CT scan with and without contrast were included in the study.

The results of the scans were recorded and analyzed.

The medical records of the enrolled patients were reviewed regarding age, gender, medical treatment received and type of surgical intervention.

The CT reports were analyzed regarding its effect on the management plans and were compared with other studies performed worldwide.

Results: 16 patients with a mean age of 9.3±3.2 years were enrolled in the study.

81.3% of patients were ≤ 15 years of age.

Sinusitis was present in (87.5%) of patients with orbital cellulitis, while dacryocystitisand trauma were responsible for the remaining cases.

ethmoiditis was the most common etiology implicated in the development of cellulitis (71.4%).

Fever and lid swelling were the most common presentations of orbital cellulitis.

Post-septal orbital cellulitis was the most common CT findings among patients with sinusitis based on Chandler classification (69.2%).

Conclusion: CT showed was very effective in identifying the etiology of orbital cellulitis and determining its extent.

It allows accurate staging of the orbital cellulitis which will be positively reflected on the disease outcome by helping the clinician in establishing appropriate therapeutic guidelines.