Publication:

Orbital complications of ENT diseases

Background Orbital complications are fairly common in Otorhinolaryngology practice because of close proximity of orbit to adjacent ENT regions. Orbital complications must be suspected whenever ENT patients present with complaints of proptosis, diplopia, vision loss and epiphora. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Methods This prospective study was conducted in the ENT department for a period of 1 year from August 2016 to July 2017 and comprised of 38 cases. This study was conducted to see the incidence, etiology, clinical, radiological and histopathological profile in relation to ophthalmic complications in ENT diseases.

Results Male to female ratio was 1.71:1. Patients mean age at presentation in present study was 39.71±19.86 (SD) years and maximum number of cases 10 (26.32%) were between 41-50 years of age. Among 38 patients of our series, most common clinical presentation was proptosis followed by nasal obstruction. Commonest ENT diseases responsible for orbital complications were the different sinonasal tumours comprising 18 cases, in which carcinoma maxilla constituted 6 cases.

Conclusions In conclusion, correct diagnosis, adequate antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention are important for management of orbital and ophthalmic complications. Cooperation between Ophthalmologist and the Otolaryngologist is clearly desirable for proper management of these cases.