J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2003 Mar;44(3):750-754.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion and Orbital Abscess following Dental Abscess

• Cho HS
• Kwon JW
• Ahn HS

Abstract

PURPOSE
Oral cavity or other head and neck inflammation may invade the orbit because paranasal sinuses are close to the orbital wall. The authors report a case of orbital abscess and central retinal artery occlusion followed by orbital invasion of the abscess after tooth extraction. METHODS: A 61-year old woman complained of persistent dental abscess and sudden visual loss for 2 weeks following tooth extraction. We performed a brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and an orbit CT (Computed Tomography) that revealed orbital cellulitis and orbital abscess. On fundus exam, cherry-red spot and retinal edema were noticed. RESULTS: Although ocular symptoms were improved with intravenous antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, there was no recovery of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Visual loss can be associated with delayed treatment in the case of orbital abscess. Therefore early diagnosis and proper treatment of orbital invasion following dental abscess is crucial for the recovery of vision.

Keyword

Central retinal artery occlusion; Orbital abscess; Tooth extraction

MeSH Terms

Abscess*
Brain
Early Diagnosis
Female
Head
Humans
Inflammation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Mouth
Neck
Orbit
Orbital Cellulitis
Papilledema
Paranasal Sinuses
Retinal Artery Occlusion*
Retinal Artery*
Tooth Extraction
Visual Acuity