Post-traumatic orbitorrhea: An underestimated life-threatening complication following anterior skull base fractures.

Post-traumatic orbitorrhea: An underestimated life-threatening complication following anterior skull base fractures. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2019 Aug 02;:1120672119867827 Authors: Martel A, Bougaci N, Lagier J, Almairac F, Dagain A Abstract Orbitorrhea is defined as a leak of cerebrospinal fluid from a cranio-orbital fistula. It is usually related to anterior skull base trauma. Orbitorrhea is an exceptional and life-threatening condition which should be promptly managed. We herein report the case of a right post-traumatic orbitorrhea following anterior skull base trauma. Conservative treatment was initially attempted. At 6 weeks, recurrence was noted, and the patient underwent neurosurgical management. A few months later, a secondary upper lid retraction was diagnosed and treated by full-thickness skin graft with favourable outcome. To our knowledge, fewer than 30 cases have been previously reported. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this life-threatening condition which could be underestimated. PMID: 31370684 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Tags: Eur J Ophthalmol Source Type: research