Concomitant orbital and intracranial abscess

Abstract

Background: Intracranial and orbital abscesses in combination together are rare complications of sinusitis. They can be life-threatening and can result in multiple sequelae. Case presentation: A 9-year-old female presented with left periorbital swelling, gaze restriction and headache. Following scans, she underwent emergency endoscopic sinus surgery, evacuation of the intraorbital empyema and stereotactic mini-craniectomy with the evacuation of the extradural empyema as a joint case. The patient recovered well and was discharged to complete intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks. Conclusion: In the pediatric population intracranial complications of acute sinusitis can have more devastating consequences. Therefore prompt recognition and management are essential within a multidisciplinary team setting. We also highlight the rarity of concomitant multi-site abscess formation and the need to be vigilant for same.

Keywords

• brain abscess
• craniectomy
• endoscopic sinus surgery
• infectious disease
• rhinosinusitis
• orbital abscess