From ophthalmologist to dentist via radiology

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to analyze the causes of orbital cellulitis in connection with covert dental changes as well as to establish the role of radiological procedures in the final diagnosis and further treatment of such cases. MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty-two patients, aged 25–56, 22 women and 10 men were diagnosed and treated between January 2007 and April 2011 at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. The patients were examined in the infirmary of the ophthalmological department due to unilateral blepharo-oedema, abrupt pain and vision disturbances; in 5 cases, body temperature increased up to 37.8°C was observed. Next, the patients underwent conventional X-ray examinations of the orbit to exclude any foreign bodies in the eyeball, as well as pantomographies to evaluate the dental status. Visible periapical or periodontal changes in dentition were analyzed with intraoral X-rays with the use of DIGORA System 2.1. Changes found in 3 patients on pantomograms and connected with iatrogenic procedures were further evaluated with CT (64 lines and 128 layers) in frontal, sagittal and axial projections. Orbital disorders were also diagnosed by an ophthalmologist and radiologist with Doppler ultrasound (US) examinations. A linear transducer of 7.5–10 MHz to observe the morphology and vascularity of the eyeball was applied. RESULTS: Iatrogenic treatment was the cause of sinusitis and cellulitis in three cases: incorrectly implanted dental implant in one case, root of the 3(rd) molar pushed into the sinus in the second case, and communication between the maxillary alveolar process and the sinus after extraction in case of the third patient. Asymptomatic periapical osteolysis, periodontal disease or dead teeth were found in all cases. Diagnosis of orbital cellulitis of dental origin was determined on the basis of clinical, radiographic and ultrasound findings. Ophthalmologic and dental treatment was applied simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Co-operation between ophthalmologists, radiologists and dentists is necessary during the treatment of such orbital diseases.