Odontogenic orbital cellulitis: literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Odontogenic origin is a rare cause (1.3–5%) of cases of orbital cellulitis, but it can lead to very important morbidity such as blindness or thrombosis of the cavernous sinus. It is therefore important to know how to recognize it. Methods: A literature review was performed. The parameters analyzed included age, sex, ethnicity, clinical presentation, imaging to determine orbital involvement, etiology, microbiology, treatment (medical and/or surgical), and final outcome of each case. Chandler's classification was used to classify the different types of cellulitis. Results: Thirty-five cases of odontogenic orbital cellulitis have been described in literature from 1980 to 2022. In 42.9% of cases, the cellulitis corresponded to an intra-orbital abscess (Chandler stage IV). Thrombosis of the cavernous sinus (stage V) was detected in 5.7% of cases. Periorbital edema (100%), ocular or facial pain (82.9%) and limitation of eye movements (82.9%) were the three most common ophthalmological signs. The anamnesis revealed an element pointing to a dental origin in 97.1% of the cases, the two most frequent being a dental avulsion (20%) or an endodontic treatment (14.3%), in days or weeks preceding the onset of symptoms. Imaging was performed on admission in 94.3% of cases. Regarding the most frequently encountered germs, commensal streptococcus of the oral cavity or anaerobic bacteria were found in 25.7% of cases, and coagulase-negative staphylococcus in 22.9% of cases. In 94.3% of cases, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy was initiated as soon as the diagnosis was made. The common feature was the use of metronidazole in 51.4% of cases, combined with a third-generation cephalosporin (11.4%) or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (8.6%). Orbital drainage was necessary in 71.4% of cases to allow resolution of symptoms, associated with drainage of the maxillary sinus in 45.7% of cases. Finally, the treatment allowed a recovery without sequelae in 80% of cases. Discussion: In case of suspected orbital cellulitis, imaging is crucial to confirm the diagnosis, the type of cellulitis and plan the appropriate surgical treatment. The first step of treatment will be the quick start of a broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy, targeting aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. However, it seems imperative to associate a surgical treatment consisting in a first step of an oral drainage and an elimination of the oral infectious source, as well as an orbital drainage whose approach will have been determined by the imaging. Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis is a rare complication of oral cavity infections, but it must be recognized and treated in time to avoid serious morbidity. An early medical and surgical treatment will usually allow good results and a healing process without sequelae.