Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (May 2018)

Complication of an Odontogenic Infection to an Orbital Abscess: The Role of a Medical Fraudster (“Quack”)

  • Nikhil Arora,
  • Ruchika Juneja,
  • Ravi Meher

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22038/ijorl.2017.20807.1775
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 30, no. 3
pp. 181 – 184

Abstract

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Introduction: Complication of an odontogenic infection to an orbital abscess is not a common presentation. The progression from a simple toothache to a condition that may lead to loss of vision is sudden and severe. Case Report: We report a rare case in which a patient developed facial cellulitis that progressed to orbital abscess after unsterile dental manipulation by a medical fraudster (“quack”). The patient was initiated on high-grade antibiotics, which resolved the facial cellulitis. However, the patient developed orbital abscess with restricted mobility of the right eye in the lateral gaze. After radiological confirmation of the abscess, it was drained by an external approach. Due to timely intervention, the extra-ocular mobility was regained, and the vision remained unaffected. Conclusion: Knowledge of the routes of the spread of dental infection to the vital structures and the urgent need for aggressive multidisciplinary management is paramount. Furthermore, awareness of the rising quack culture in developing nations needs to be increased.

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