[Emergency treatment of post-traumatic orbital emphysema: a case report].
OBJECTIVE
Orbital emphysema is a common complication of orbital wall fractures (50% of blow-out fractures). It is generally a benign and self-limited condition. However, it may compromise retinal and optic nerve vascularization and therefore requires rapid management.


METHODS
We report a case of traumatic orbital emphysema resulting in ischemic optic neuritis. The orbital emphysema was drained using a 25-gauge needle mounted on a syringe filled with normal saline, with the plunger removed, and guided by air bubble eruption.


RESULTS
Vision was promptly recovered following drainage of the orbital emphysema.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of orbital emphysema after an orbital fracture is a consequence of a forceful expiratory effort raising intranasal pressure. It must be drained, as described, in cases of vascular compression.
Benharbit
M
M
Service d'Ophtalmologie A, CHU Ibn Sina, Hôpital des Spécialités, Rabat, Maroc. m.benharbit@wanadoo.ma
Karim
A
A
Lazreq
M
M
Mohcine
Z
Z
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002512:Cephalothin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004172:Diplopia / Q000209:etiology; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D004646:Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D045853:Exhalation; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000209:etiology; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D002512:Cephalothin; D011241:Prednisone