Orbital cellulitis with panophthalmitis and scleral necrosis – a case report

BACKGROUND: Orbital cellulitis is common in young children and is often secondary to coexisting sinus disease. Coexisting orbital cellulitis and panophthalmitis is a rare clinical event and usually occurs secondary to trauma or from an endogenous source. CASE PRESENTATION: A febrile 2-year-old male presented with periorbital inflammation and exudative retinal detachment. Imaging showed acute sinusitis and extensive orbital cellulitis. Because of progressive scleral thinning, the patient underwent enucleation. CONCLUSION: We present a case of concurrent orbital cellulitis, panophthalmitis, and scleral necrosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient. Timely intervention is important to prevent life threatening complications with the rare occurrence of coexistent orbital cellulitis and panophthalmitis.