A Diagnostic Challenge: Periorbital or Orbital Cellulitis?

Sarayu Vanga; Anjali R Daniel; Murdoc B Gould; Sidhartha R Ramlatchan; Latha Ganti

doi:10.7759/cureus.48439

A Diagnostic Challenge: Periorbital or Orbital Cellulitis?

Cureus. 2023 Nov 7;15(11):e48439. doi: 10.7759/cureus.48439. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Authors

Sarayu Vanga¹, Anjali R Daniel², Murdoc B Gould³, Sidhartha R Ramlatchan⁴, Latha Ganti^{5

6}

Affiliations

¹ Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA.
² Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, USA.
³ Chemistry, Rollins College, Orlando, USA.
⁴ Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA.
⁵ Medical Sciences, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA.
⁶ Emergency Medicine & Neurology, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA.

Abstract

The authors present the case of a 39-year-old male who presented to the hospital with worsening eye pain, swelling, and blurred vision of the left eye. His symptoms grew worse despite initial over-the-counter medication and a trip to the urgent care center. A physical exam was concerning for a possible orbital cellulitis given the appearance of the eye and the amount of discomfort, as well as their immunocompromised status, necessitating imaging and workup to confirm the diagnosis. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with periorbital cellulitis and bacterial conjunctivitis, and he received intravenous antibiotics for treatment. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach to managing ocular infections.

Keywords: eye discharge; orbital cellulitis; periorbital cellulitis; post septal cellulitis; preseptal cellulitis.

Publication types

Case Reports