Recurrent periorbital cellulitis in a child a random event or an underlying anatomical abnormality?

We present a case of recurrent periorbital cellulitis in a child. From the age of 2 years the child was admitted with periorbital cellulitis a total of six times with the first five episodes responding to conservative management with intravenous antibiotics. On the sixth admission endoscopic surgical treatment was carried out. Two abnormalities were noted: an anatomically abnormal uncinate process and an isolated abscess in an ethmoidal. cell. It is believed that the abnormal uncinate process caused obstruction of the osteomeatal area, predisposing to recurrent periorbital cellulitis. We discuss the importance of early imaging and surgery in recurrent periorbital. cellulitis. (C) 2004 Elsevier Iretand Ltd. All rights reserved.