Head and Neck ImagingAbscess, subperiosteal orbital
collection of pus, typically localized between the periorbita and the medial orbital wall (lamina papyracea), as a complication of bacterial sinusitis. The formation of an abscess is preceded by inflammatory oedema (with preseptal
cellulitis) and a subperiosteal phlegmon (
Fig.1) (
Fig.2). The sinusal infection spreads to the orbit via small veins or through the delicate lamina papyracea. The subperiosteal orbital abscess may eventually break through the periorbita and involve the orbital fat; this may be further complicated by ophthalmic
vein thrombosis and cavernous
sinus thrombosis.
RH
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Ethmoiditis with infiltration of the orbital fat medial to the medial rectus muscle (subperiosteal phlegmon, arrows); preseptal cellulitis (arrowheads). A focal demineralization of the left lamina papyracea is visible at the level of the phlegmon.
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Abscess, subperiosteal orbital, Fig.1 | | Abscess, subperiosteal orbital, Fig.2 | |