Recurrent periorbital cellulitis: an unusual clinical entity.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the cause and management of recurrent periorbital cellulitis (RPOC).


METHODS
Retrospective case series and review of literature.


METHODS
In the past 11 years, we have treated 6 patients for recurrent periorbital cellulitis (RPOC). Inclusion criteria were a minimum of 3 episodes of periorbital cellulitis (POC) within a 1-year period, with interval convalescence lasting at least 1 month. All patients were followed for at least 1 year after resolution.


RESULTS
The causes of RPOC were as follows: (1) 2 patients developed RPOC attributed to environmental allergies; (2) 1 was diagnosed with underlying recurrent sinusitis resistant to medical management with resolution attained through surgery; (3) 1 patient with vesicular RPOC was diagnosed with herpetic RPOC and treated medically with antiviral therapy; (4) 1 patient had allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic make-up use; and (5) 1 patient was suspected of malingering via repeat subcutaneous self-injection of an irritant.


CONCLUSIONS
Although periorbital cellulitis is a commonly encountered and treatable condition, recurrent periorbital cellulitis is rare and may be challenging to manage. In our experience, the causes of recurrence varied, but resolution was achieved by identifying the underlying cause through continuous clinical reassessment and by appropriate medical or surgical management.


METHODS
C-4.
Sorin
Alexander
A
Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. sorina01@med.nyu.edu
April
Max M
MM
Ward
Robert F
RF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009915:Orbit; D012008:Recurrence