Title: How to approach a hot orbit: A case based discussion
Abstract:
Hot orbit means inflammation of orbit. It can be infective or non-infective. Infective hot orbit includes mainly orbital cellulitis caused by bacteria; it may also be caused by fungal and parasitic infestation. Symptoms vary depending upon the orbital structure involved. But in general, there is pain, redness, proptosis, restriction of movement, visual impairment and double vision. Non infective causes of hot orbit includes Nonspecific Orbital Inflammatory Diseases (NOID), orbital trauma, vascular and tumor related. It may be sometimes associated with systemic diseases like thyroid eye disease, blood dyscrasia and Wegner Granulomatosis (GPA). Managing hot orbit is full of challenges. Despite significant advances in antimicrobial therapies and diagnostic technologies, the management of orbital infection often remains unsatisfactory. A thorough history taking and detail ocular and systemic examination is very important. Appropriate laboratoty investigations and imaging are extremely important to diagnose a case of hot orbit. Rapid diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy are important in minimizing complications and optimizing outcomes. These cases are managed mostly by the general ophthalmologist or by an oculoplastic and orbit surgeon. This comprehensive overview of challenging cases of hot orbit will provide insight into the management of such cases.
