Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Periorbital Sweet’s Syndrome

Abstract

A 66-year-old immunocompromised man presented with cellulitis around the left eye that was initially concerning for necrotizing fasciitis. Exam findings were remarkable for exquisite periocular tenderness with rigid, immobile eyelids resulting from severe erythema, edema, and induration. Given the concern for orbital compartment syndrome and a necrotizing infection, the patient was taken urgently to the operating room for debridement of the eyelid skin as well as an urgent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis. His eye exam revealed 360° of hemorrhagic chemosis, no relative afferent pupillary defect, and an ipsilateral elevated intraocular pressure of 35 mm Hg. No visual acuity measurement could be obtained secondary to the patient’s altered mental status. His intraocular pressure normalized after treatment with antihypertensive drops and further extension of the canthotomy. Histopathological analysis showed extensive neutrophilic infiltrate of the dermis which was compatible with a diagnosis of Sweet’s syndrome.