Orbital Emphysema as a Rare Complication of Retina Surgery

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Nov/Dec;33(6):e141-e142. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000879.

Abstract

Three patients with a history of previous pars-plana vitrectomy, 2 of them with perfluoropropane, and 1 with sulfur hexafluoride used, experienced eyelid swelling and pain after travelling to a higher altitude city. Gas was found in the orbit and periocular tissues, causing orbital compartment syndrome in 2 of the patients. The gas persisted on these patients despite surgical intervention, so hyperbaric oxygen therapy was advised. One patient refused, the other patient responded well to this therapy and the gas disappeared. The patient without an orbital compartment syndrome made a full recovery without needing medical or surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Emphysema / diagnosis
  • Emphysema / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnosis
  • Orbital Diseases / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Rare Diseases
  • Retinal Diseases / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vitrectomy / adverse effects*