Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Orbital Complications of Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective Observational Study
Introduction: Orbital complications are among the most important potentially vision-threatening complications of rhinosinusitis. Infection from the paranasal sinuses, particularly the ethmoid sinus, may spread to the orbit through the thin lamina papyracea or through valveless venous channels. Clinical manifestations range from preseptal cellulitis to orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, orbital abscess, and cavernous sinus thrombosis. Early diagnosis and coordinated management by otorhinolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, and radiologists are essential for preventing permanent visual morbidity. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical profile, radiological characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of patients presenting with orbital complications secondary to acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was designed to include 60 patients with clinical and radiological evidence of orbital complications associated with acute or chronic rhinosinusitis. Demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, ophthalmological findings, sinus involvement, Chandler stage, imaging findings, treatment modality, duration of hospitalization, and final outcomes were recorded. Patients were managed with intravenous antimicrobial therapy, supportive treatment, and surgical drainage/endoscopic sinus surgery where indicated. Results: Illustrative dataset: Of 60 patients, 38 (63.3%) were male and 22 (36.7%) females. Acute rhinosinusitis accounted for 42 (70.0%) cases and chronic rhinosinusitis for 18 (30.0%). Ethmoid sinus involvement was most frequent (81.7%), followed by maxillary (65.0%) and frontal (38.3%) involvement. Preseptal cellulitis was observed in 23 (38.3%), orbital cellulitis in 17 (28.3%), subperiosteal abscess in 13 (21.7%), orbital abscess in 5 (8.3%), and cavernous sinus thrombosis in 2 (3.3%) patients. Thirty-four patients (56.7%) responded to medical therapy alone, whereas 26 (43.3%) required surgical intervention. Complete recovery without significant visual deficit occurred in 55 (91.7%) patients. Conclusion: Orbital complications of rhinosinusitis require rapid recognition and multidisciplinary management. Ethmoid sinus disease predominates, and more advanced postseptal complications are associated with a greater likelihood of surgical intervention. Timely imaging, intravenous antibiotics, repeated ophthalmological assessment, and appropriately selected surgical drainage can result in favorable visual and clinical outcomes.