Postseptal Cellulitis

Orbital infections are common in children. They may be classified based on their location in relation to the orbital septum. Preseptal cellulitis is an infection of the eyelid and soft tissue anterior to the orbital septum. Patients may present with eyelid edema without impairment in vision or eye movement. Postseptal cellulitis is more serious. Patients present with pain, edema, proptosis, loss of visual acuity, and decreased ocular range of motion. Contrast-enhanced CT is used to confirm the presence and extent of infection and identify potential complications such as subperiosteal abscess, superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis, and cavernous sinus thrombosis. Patients with orbital infections are treated with antibiotics. Those with postseptal cellulitis are treated more aggressively.