Spontaneous Development of Unilateral Orbital Emphysema Following a Bout of Sneezing: Case Report

Abstract

Orbital emphysema is a known complication of periorbital trauma due to a fracture in the orbital walls. However, it is uncommon to come across a case of orbital emphysema in clinical practice due to sneezing or coughing. The case reported here involves the development of spontaneous orbital swelling in a 24-year-old male occurring following a bout of sneezing. The case merits discussion to emphasize the importance of appropriate workup in detecting definitive etiology and urgently deciding upon the correct course of management in a case of orbital swelling, as any delay can cause permanent vision loss and on the other hand unnecessary intervention can cause damaging complications.

Keywords

• orbital emphysema
• sneezing
• spontaneous
• unilateral