Orbital Emphysema Following a Forceful Blowing: A Case Report

Orbital emphysema is a benign condition around the orbit as a result of subcutaneous air accumulation.It can occur as results of directly or indirectly trauma of the face. Although orbital emphysema is usually self-limited and resolves spontaneously,it assumes greater importance because of the possibility of visual complications due to the compartment syndrome and related orbital injection. Our patient was a 35 years old male. He presented with sudden and painful onset of left periorbital swelling following a powerful blowing of the nose. CT scan of the paranasal sinuses showed fracture which included the lamina paprycea. We decided not to perform needle aspiration so outpatient treatment was provided (Ice-pach application, lay- down rest to the pathological side avoidance of rose blowing and sneezing were advised. Empiric antibiotic, nasal decongestant and non- steroidal antiinflammatory drug treatment were prescribed. Twenty-four hours later, nasal bleeding had stopped and ocular assesment was normal. Two weeks later orbital emphysema had completely resolved.