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Preseptal cellulitis - External and Internal Eye
See also in: Cellulitis DDx
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Preseptal cellulitis - External and Internal Eye

See also in: Cellulitis DDx
Contributors: Brandon D. Ayres MD, Christopher Rapuano MD, Harvey A. Brown MD, Sunir J. Garg MD, Lauren Patty Daskivich MD, MSHS
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Preseptal cellulitis, also known as periorbital cellulitis, is an infection of the eyelid and periorbital soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum that usually occurs as a result of the spread of a nearby infection or trauma. Such predisposing factors include local eyelid infections (hordeola, dacryocystitis), sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, dental infections, otitis media, and eye trauma (eg, insect bites). It is more common in children under age 5 but can be seen in any age group. It presents clinically as acute eyelid erythema and edema. There may be associated fever, pain, nasal discharge, or conjunctivitis. The most common causative organisms are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. The rate of preseptal cellulitis attributable to Haemophilus influenzae type b has dropped considerably since introduction of a vaccine.

The main complication of preseptal cellulitis is potentially vision-threatening orbital cellulitis. Fortunately, the protective fibrous orbital septum prevents extension in many cases, but the clinician should be aware of and look for signs that indicate orbital involvement (refer to the Diagnostic Pearls section). Preseptal cellulitis should be treated promptly to prevent progression to orbital cellulitis.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L03.211 – Cellulitis of face

SNOMEDCT:
314516007 – Preseptal cellulitis

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Last Updated:07/17/2013
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Preseptal cellulitis - External and Internal Eye
See also in: Cellulitis DDx
A medical illustration showing key findings of Preseptal cellulitis : Eye pain, Erythema, Periorbital edema, Preauricular lymphadenopathy, Unilateral distribution, Conjunctival injection, Sclera/bulbar conjunctiva edema, Purulent nasal discharge
Clinical image of Preseptal cellulitis - imageId=487267. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Severe eyelid edema and erythema, diffuse conjunctival hemorrhage, and crusting at the canthi.'
Severe eyelid edema and erythema, diffuse conjunctival hemorrhage, and crusting at the canthi.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.