Orbital subperiosteal hematoma associated with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis

BACKGROUND: We report a rare case of orbital subperiosteal hematoma associated with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis. Common concerns involving the orbital subperiosteal space include abscess, hematoma and tumor. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient presented to our clinic with periorbital swelling and limited extraocular muscle movement in her left eye. Computed tomography revealed a superior subperiosteal mass with frontal and ethmoidal sinusitis. We diagnosed the patient with subperiosteal hematoma and surgical evacuation was performed via superior orbitotomy. Brown serous discharge was drained and biopsy demonstrated fibrin clots. The final diagnosis was orbital subperiosteal hematoma and the patient was discharged with symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: Orbital subperiosteal hematoma is difficult to distinguish from abscess owing to its rarity and similar presentation. Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosis, and surgical evacuation during the early stages is essential to achieving a good outcome.