Question:medium
Which of the following is true about orbital cellulitis?
Which of the following is true about orbital cellulitis?
Show Hint
Orbital cellulitis commonly follows ethmoid sinusitis and presents with proptosis and restricted eye movements.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
- The inflammation is confined anterior to the orbital septum
- Ethmoidal sinusitis is the most common cause in all age groups
- It presents with proptosis, but pupillary reflexes and extraocular movements remain normal
- Broad-spectrum topical antibiotics are the treatment of choice
Show Solution
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the tissues behind the orbital septum. It must be differentiated from the less severe preseptal cellulitis.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Etiology: The infection usually spreads directly from adjacent paranasal sinuses. The ethmoid sinus is most frequently involved because the wall between it and the orbit (lamina papyracea) is thin and porous.
Distinction from Preseptal: Preseptal cellulitis is anterior to the septum (Option A is false). Orbital cellulitis involves deep structures.
Clinical Triad: Orbital cellulitis is characterized by Proptosis, Ophthalmoplegia (painful/restricted eye movement), and vision loss. Pupillary reflexes are often impaired due to optic nerve pressure (Option C is false).
Treatment: This is a medical emergency. Topical antibiotics are ineffective (Option D is false). Treatment requires admission for high-dose intravenous (IV) broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Complications: If untreated, it can lead to blindness, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and meningitis.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most accurate statement is that ethmoidal sinusitis is the primary underlying cause across all pediatric and adult populations.
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the tissues behind the orbital septum. It must be differentiated from the less severe preseptal cellulitis.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Etiology: The infection usually spreads directly from adjacent paranasal sinuses. The ethmoid sinus is most frequently involved because the wall between it and the orbit (lamina papyracea) is thin and porous.
Distinction from Preseptal: Preseptal cellulitis is anterior to the septum (Option A is false). Orbital cellulitis involves deep structures.
Clinical Triad: Orbital cellulitis is characterized by Proptosis, Ophthalmoplegia (painful/restricted eye movement), and vision loss. Pupillary reflexes are often impaired due to optic nerve pressure (Option C is false).
Treatment: This is a medical emergency. Topical antibiotics are ineffective (Option D is false). Treatment requires admission for high-dose intravenous (IV) broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Complications: If untreated, it can lead to blindness, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and meningitis.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most accurate statement is that ethmoidal sinusitis is the primary underlying cause across all pediatric and adult populations.
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