Medical College of Wisconsin
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Subperiosteal abscess of the orbit. Arch Ophthalmol 1983 May;101(5):751-7

Date

05/01/1983

Pubmed ID

6847463

DOI

10.1001/archopht.1983.01040010751010

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0020519126 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   158 Citations

Abstract

Seven cases of subperiosteal abscess (SPA) of the orbit are reported. Anatomic relationships shared by the orbits, paranasal sinuses, and facial venous system explain the rapid development of SPA after periorbital infection. Computed tomography and echography allow distinction between SPA and other stages of orbital inflammation that are often indiscriminately grouped under the rubric of orbital cellulitis. These techniques suggest that elevated orbital pressure is the primary, and potentially reversible, mechanism of visual impairment produced by SPA. Difficulty in accurately determining the responsible pathogens, relative isolation of the subperiosteal space with regard to antibiotic penetration, and risk of precipitous visual loss require prompt surgical drainage in most cases.

Author List

Harris GJ

Author

Gerald J. Harris MD Professor in the Ophthalmology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Abscess
Acute Disease
Adolescent
Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Child
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Orbital Diseases
Periosteum
Sinusitis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Ultrasonography