A 19-Year-Old Male With Orbital Cellulitis and Abscess Due to Fusobacterium necrophorum With Chronic Aspergillosis Resulting in Orbital Compartment Syndrome

Orbital cellulitis is a dangerous condition that has a variety of etiologies and risk factors such as chronic sinusitis. If left untreated, it may result in orbital compartment syndrome. A 19-year-old male presented with evidence of orbital cellulitis, increased intraocular pressures, and orbital compartment syndrome as a result of a retrobulbar abscess. He was started on ampicillin/sulbactam, the emergency clinician performed a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis, and the case was discussed with ophthalmology and otolaryngology on call. The patient was taken to the operating room for further surgical therapy. Cultures revealed Fusobacterium necrophorum and Aspergillus spp. Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the tissue posterior to the orbital septum. Common bacterial etiologies of orbital cellulitis include Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, and Haemophilus spp. Chronic sinusitis secondary to an Aspergillus infection increases the risk of superinfection given the inability to clear nasal secretions. Diagnosis of orbital cellulitis can be clinical, but imaging with computed tomography of the orbits with intravenous contrast can assist. Treatment includes broad-spectrum antibiotics and ophthalmology consultation. If left untreated, orbital cellulitis may lead to orbital compartment syndrome, requiring lateral canthotomy and cantholysis. Prompt identification of orbital compartment syndrome and surgical intervention with lateral canthotomy and cantholysis can help restore the function of the optic nerve if performed in a timely manner. Clinicians should consider broadening the antibiotic coverage to include carbapenems or adding on anaerobic coverage with metronidazole in patients with concern for abscess formation in the setting of chronic sinusitis.