Orbital Complications of Rhinosinusitis in the Adult Population: Analysis of Cases Presenting to a Tertiary Medical Center Over a 13-Year Period.

BACKGROUND: Orbital complications of rhinosinusitis in adults are scarcely discussed in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with the management of orbital complications of rhinosinusitis in the adult patient population and identify key factors in the characteristics and management of these patients. DESIGN: Retrospective case series during the years 2004 to 2016 in a tertiary referral center including all patients with rhinosinusitis and orbital complications. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Severity of complications, risk factors, clinical, imaging and microbiological data, treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy patients were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 38 years. In 57%, complications were associated with acute rhinosinusitis and in 43% with chronic rhinosinusitis, most of whom had a history of previous sinus surgery. Thirty-five percent of patients received antibiotics prior to admission. The majority of the previously operated patients (61%) had some form of orbital wall dehiscence noted on imaging. Preseptal cellulitis was the most common complication (61.5%) encountered, followed by orbital cellulitis (23%), sub-periosteal abscess (11.5%), orbital abscess (3%), and cavernous sinus thrombosis (1.5%). Gram-positive bacteria were more commonly isolated from acute rhinosinusitis patients and gram-negative bacteria from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Complete recovery was noted in all patients, of whom 85% were managed conservatively. All, but 1 patient, with an abscess or cavernous sinus thrombosis required surgical drainage. Older age was the only risk factor identified for severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the pediatric population, CRS is very common in adults with orbital complications of rhinosinusitis, with previous sinus surgery and orbital wall dehiscence being noticeably common. Older patients are at risk for more severe complications. Conservative treatment suffices in patients with preseptal and orbital cellulitis. In more advanced stages, surgical drainage is advocated with excellent results. Larger cohort studies are needed to further investigate this patient group.

Ocular cranial nerve palsies secondary to sphenoid sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical presentation of sphenoid sinusitis can be highly variable. Rarely, sphenoid sinusitis may present with cranial nerve complications due to the proximity of these structures to the sphenoid sinus. METHOD: A case series from Rabin Medical Center and all cases of cranial nerves palsies secondary to sphenoid sinusitis that have been reported in the literature were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were identified. The abducent nerve was the most common cranial nerve affected (76%), followed by the oculomotor nerve (18%). One patient had combined oculomotor, trochlear and abducent palsies. The most common pathology was isolated purulent sphenoid sinusitis in 64% followed by allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) in 18%, and fungal infection in 18%. 94% had an acute presentation. The majority (85%) received a combined intravenous antibiotics and surgical treatment. The remainder received conservative treatment alone. Complete recovery of cranial nerve palsy was noted in 82% during follow up. CONCLUSION: Sphenoid sinusitis presenting as diplopia and headaches is rare. A neoplastic process must be ruled out and early surgical intervention with intravenous antimicrobial therapy carry an excellent outcome with complete resolution of symptoms.