Orbital Cellulitis Secondary to Dacryocystitis: A Case Report

Purpose: To present a case of orbital cellulitis secondary to dacryocystitis Case report: A 48-year-old postmenopausal lady was referred with a prominent proptosis of the right eye in addition to external ophthalmoplegia. She had one year history of lacrimation. Orbital Computed Tomography (CT) revealed an extraconal infiltration near the medial and inferior orbital wall consistent with orbital cellulitis. Treatment included intravenous antibiotics, followed by dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) one month after discharge. Within five days after antibiotic treatment, inflammatory signs improved dramatically. Conclusion: Acute dacryocystitis should be considered as an emergency in ophthalmology; as it can cause orbital cellulitis with potential vision-threatening side effects, if left untreated.