Transnasal endoscopic drainage of neonatal orbital abscess

Abstract

Neonatal orbital complications are rare and potentially fatal, demanding prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment. A 25-day-old neonate presented with rapidly progressive orbital complications as evidenced by proptosis, chemosis, lid oedema and restricted eye movements, developing within 3 days. There was no significant medical history or risk factors for developing infection. An initial conservative approach with antimicrobial therapy failed to show any resolve. An MRI brain, orbits and paranasal sinuses demonstrated that there were features suggestive of right orbital cellulitis with possibility of abscess formation with right ethmoidal mucoinflammatory disease and mass effect on the optic nerve causing stretching and compression by the surrounding inflammation.The patient was treated successfully with transnasal endoscopic drainage and decompression. Endoscopic access was challenging owing to the restrictive anatomy. Postoperatively, the patient showed improvement, with gradual decrease in proptosis and resolve in eye movements.

Keywords: Ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology; Ophthalmology; Otolaryngology / ENT; Paediatric Surgery.