[Management of periorbital and orbital infections].
BACKGROUND
Infections of the orbit and of the periorbital region are not uncommon. Even today they constitute a serious problem, in spite of modern antibiotic treatment, with a potential risk of lethal complications. Orbital infections are most prevalent in children and adolescents. The acute orbit has many causes, but the most frequent is an occurrence secondary to acute rhinosinusitis.


METHODS
Based on clinical cases, different causes and the present state of diagnosis are presented. The discussion deals with therapeutic strategies depending on the stage according to the current classification of orbital inflammation.


CONCLUSIONS
Orbital and periorbital inflammations represent a demanding challenge for interdisciplinary cooperation between ophthalmologists, ENT specialists and radiologists. In some cases maxillofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons have to be included as well. Accurate diagnosis and treatment may lead to the resolution of the infection and avoid ocular sequel or endocranial complications as well as a fatal outcome.
Knipping
S
S
Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Wittenberg. stephan.knipping@medizin.uni-halle.de
Bloching
M
M
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents