Bilateral subcutaneous emphysema of the orbits following nose blowing.
Orbital emphysema without evidence of any significant trauma is a rare occurrence. A case is reported here of bilateral subcutaneous emphysema of the orbital, in the absence of facial skeleton trauma, in a healthy adult male following nose blowing. It assumes importance because of potential complications such as loss of vision due to pressure effects and infection. Lamina papyracea is the most common site of bony defect and point of air entry into the orbit. Spontaneous resolution in around two weeks is usual.
Department of Otolaryngology, Craigavon Area Hospital, Craigavon, N Ireland, UK. bijumohan@hotmail.com
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Singh
D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000502:physiology*; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011312:Pressure; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed