title: A case of orbital emphysema as an ocular emergency.
abstract: Orbital emphysema is radiologically apparent in 50% of cases of orbital fractures, but it is generally a benign, self-limited condition. However, visual loss may occur if a fracture produces orbital compression via a ball-valve effect, allowing air to enter but not leave the orbit. A case of compressive orbital emphysema complicated by ischemic optic neuropathy is reported. Intraorbital needle aspiration relieved the compression with improvement of visual acuity and normalization of intraocular pressure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Dobler
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Nathenson
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Carpel
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Janda
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Pederson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004630:Emergencies; D004646:Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000150:complications; D011859:Radiography; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000150:complications